The Hooker Yellow Diamond Necklace is part of a suite of 18K yellow gold jewelry designed by Cartier. It has 50 starburst-cut fancy yellow diamonds weighing between one and twenty carats each, for a total weight of 244.10 carats. It was gifted along with matching earrings and ring to the Smithsonian in 1994 by Mrs. Janet A. Hooker.

One person had asked if these gems are replicas. They aren’t – they’re the real thing, part of the museum’s priceless gem collection. Some people may remember a gem exhibit I photographed at the Hillwood Estate, jewels previously owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. She had donated many of her pieces to the Smithsonian, and this is where they’re normally displayed. Also, every display in the Gem Gallery is behind very heavy glass.

Hazan diamond necklace, posted earlier: