Affordable Historic Gems Without the “Curse”

Costume jewelry just got a healthy dose of royalty thanks to QVC and The Smithsonian.

West Chester-based QVC and The Smithsonian Institution have agreed to pair up to create jewelry based on the pieces shown in the National Gem and Mineral Collection, they announced Thursday.

Slated to launch this coming fall, the collection will include rings, bracelets, pins, brooches and earrings. It will mainly be costume jewelry and semi-precious stones.

“Together, we will create jewelry that is not only fashionable, but also serves to educate the public about the Smithsonian and the jewelry, gems and minerals found in its collections” said director of consumer products for Smithsonian Enterprises Carol LeBlanc.

Some of the jewelry will be replicas of the more notable pieces shown in the Gem and Mineral Collection. Jewels like Marie Antoinette’s earrings and a smaller version of the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond will be replicated to show their beauty and the history behind them.

Other items in the line will be inspired by the gems found in the museum’s collection.

Just think ladies you could have the Hope Diamond without the “curse” and the $350 million dent in your wallets.

“Curators also will record interviews for QVC to help introduce the collections and offer a glimpse behind the scenes at the museum in Washington,” said Linda St. Thomas, Smithsonian spokeswoman.

There is no word yet on what exact pieces will replicated and what the price ranges will be.

So be on the look out for the new QVC jewelry line coming out, it’s guaranteed to be something that even nobles will be jealous of.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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