Yo, Trinkette - Got any time to visit the Smithsonian for us?

[ah2bqat]

Have you seen this article yet?  I surely would love a Trinketteassessment...
Wittelsbach-Graff Blue Diamond To Be Displayed At Smithsoinan

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History will place the 31.06-carat Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond on display on January 28. This marks the first time in more than a half-century that the Wittelsbach gem has been on public display. The famed Hope Diamond is also being exhibited at the museum. The Smithsonian announced that tests will be conducted in order to learn whether both diamonds originated from the same mine in India where the Hope Diamond originated.
First reports about the Wittelsbach Diamond appear in the 1660s when Philip IV of Spain gave it to his daughter prior to her marriage to Emperor Leopold I of Austria. The famous diamond later became the property of the Wittelsbachs, the ruling family of Bavaria. The 35.56-carat blue diamond was auctioned last year by Christie's in London for more than $24 million. The buyer was fine jeweler Laurence Graff, who stated: "To have two of the world's most historical stones — the Wittelsbach-Graff and the Hope Diamond — displayed together, is a testament to the diamonds' history and importance. I believe the diamond's appearance at the Smithsonian will represent another significant chapter in its remarkable history."

[Trinkette]

1) I knew this was going to happen, so, I was waiting...
2) I WILL go see this (January 28 is my late mother's B-day... can't think of a better way to celebrate)!
3) Sorry, I never finished the Smithsonian thread. I MUST update. A revisit would be the PERFECT excuse to get to it again. Won't it be fun to see the two big blues together? Also, isn't this the diamond that the "public" voted on regarding the setting choice? 

4) Sorry, I haven't been online lately and I'm pressed for time today... after giving much needed laptops to DH and DS for the holidays, MY compter decided NOT to work on our WiFi system (which was stinky-slow anyway). So, last night, DH (feeling guilty, no doubt, that he and DS were enjoying THEIR internet experiences and I was not able to get online via my computer, went out and purchased a teeny, tiny 3G Verizon MiFi as our new internet access source. After QUITE some troubles, and 2 return trips to Verizon, we got it right. Now, I can take our MiFi with us when we travel (ummm, TODAY when we go to Dad's) SO I WON'T MISS ANYTHING HERE EVER AGAIN! 

5) Can't wait to return to the Smithsonian... there are gorgeous, big, brown diamond pieces that I saw last time that are TO DIE FOR! My favorites...

[annie1]

This sounds like an event not to be missed!  The press release says it will be displayed until August 1st, so I'll have to make my way to DC before that!

[chrisje110]

Wow two of my most loved diamonds together the Hope and the Wittlesbach diamond !
Shame i dont live in the States

[Trinkette]

What better excuse does one need to visit the states? Hehehehehehe... 

[oldmancoyote]

It's on until August 1, in case anyone should prefer a slightly more pleasant weather...

[Trinkette]

Now, now, no need to spoil the party, OMC. We just drove through DC two hours ago and the weather was lovely... 56 degrees and sunny. Of course we had plenty of time to enjoy the area as we sat in traffic on the beltway...