The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is set to showcase a breathtaking new addition to its world-renowned gem collection: the Winston Red Diamond, a 2.33-carat fancy red diamond hailed as one of the rarest in existence. This exceptional gem will debut alongside the Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection on April 1st, marking a significant moment in the museum’s history.
A Legacy of Extraordinary Gem Gifts
The Winston Red Diamond arrives as a gift from Ronald Winston, son of legendary jeweler Harry Winston, whose name is synonymous with some of the most famous diamonds in history—including the Hope Diamond, which he donated to the Smithsonian in 1958. The new acquisitions will be displayed in the museum’s Winston Gallery, further cementing the family’s lasting contribution to gemology and public education.
Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, described the donation as “one of the most significant gifts ever received by the Smithsonian.” He added, “The Winston diamonds are truly extraordinary in their rarity and beauty.”
The Mystery and Science Behind Red Diamonds
Natural fancy red diamonds are among the rarest gems in the world, with fewer than one in 25 million diamonds earning this elusive color grade, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The Winston Red Diamond, with its deep crimson hue, is a prime example of this rarity.
Unlike other colored diamonds, which owe their shades to impurities such as boron (blue diamonds) or nitrogen (yellow diamonds), red diamonds derive their unique hue from deformations in their crystal structure caused by immense pressure during their formation deep within the Earth.
The Winston Red Diamond’s old mine brilliant cut—a cutting style popular before the mid-20th century—suggests it was shaped decades ago, adding to its historical intrigue.
A Dazzling Spectrum of Color
The Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection—assembled over 60 years by Ronald Winston—features 40 exquisite diamonds, ranging across the entire color spectrum. The collection will be arranged in a vibrant rainbow display, highlighting the stunning diversity of natural diamonds.
Scientific Recognition and Public Display
To accompany the unveiling, a detailed scientific study on the Winston Red Diamond’s composition and history will be published in the Spring 2025 edition of Gems & Gemology, the GIA’s leading journal. Smithsonian mineralogist Gabriela Farfan emphasized that the collection offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the natural wonder of colored diamonds.
Displayed alongside the iconic Hope Diamond, the Winston Red Diamond will reinforce the Winston family’s enduring legacy, dazzling visitors for generations to come.
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