Smithsonian teams with QVC to create new jewelry line based on museum’s gem collections

Smithsonian announces new jewelry line with QVC

WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian Institution has agreed to license its renowned gem and jewelry collection for a line of products with the TV shopping network QVC.

The deal announced Thursday will produce a jewelry line this fall. It will be based on the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the National Museum of Natural History.

The museum’s collection includes the famous Hope Diamond, Marie Antoinette earrings and other jewelry among 375,000 specimens.

The Smithsonian says some of the QVC earrings, rings, bracelets, pins and brooches will be replicas of pieces in the museum, while others will simply be inspired by its collection.

Carol LeBlanc of the Smithsonian’s business unit says they will create fashionable jewelry that also educates the public about the Smithsonian and its gems.