TORONTO.- Starting this December, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) celebrates A Season of Gems with two exhibitions and a new permanent suite of galleries showcasing some of the world’s most dazzling diamonds, gemstones and minerals.

This exhibition explores humankind’s ongoing interest in the diamond, providing an examination of diamonds as a natural substance, burrowing into its geologic origins, how it is mined, its cultural significance in art, literature, and ornamentation, and its numerous uses in modern science and technology. Featured among the approximately 500 objects, is the Incomparable Diamond; the third largest diamond ever recorded weighing an astonishing 407.48-carats. The Nature of Diamonds is on display in the Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall, Level B2 in the ROM’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The ROM is the sole Canadian venue to host the exhibition during its exclusive North American tour.

Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth’s Treasures
On permanent display beginning December 20, 2008
The ROM furthers the examination of nature with a permanent suite of galleries, featuring the Vale Inco Limited Gallery of Minerals, the Gallery of Gems and Gold and the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame Gallery. The Teck Suite of Galleries occupy a combined total of 6,900 square feet and showcase the ROM’s exceptional specimens of minerals, gems, meteorites and rocks, a collection among the finest in North America. The captivating displays located on Level 2 of the Weston Family Wing are contextualized by over 40 interactive touch screen stations, fascinating video exhibits and engrossing information on Canada’s mining industry.

Light & Stone: Gems from the Collection of Michael Scott
On display December 20, 2008 to November 15, 2009
Arguably the most important private collection in North America, the Michael Scott Collection has few rivals in the world, outside the royal families. The exhibition brings together over 200 impressive pieces, all mindfully chosen by Mr. Scott to represent the quality and diversity of crystals and gems, as well as their striking range of colour. This exhibition is on display in the Gallery of Gems and Gold, within the new Teck Suite of Galleries: Earth's Treasures.