Gems at the Smithsonian

The Emerald Necklace at the museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, is another example of the magnificent range of jewellery specimens displayed and individually illuminated by a combination of controlled overhead light heads and proximate low level lighting via the miniaturised articulate system, which has now evolved into one of the most useful and flexible tools in cabinet display lighting.

The Napoleon Necklace is lit from a high and low level to bring out its sparkling qualities.

The trio of Tourmalines - a real favourite - required tremendous care to establish the optimum positions for direct and indirect light onto these peculiar, crystal forms. The articulate system provides all the flexibility needed to satisfy the curator's stringent eye.

It was this close collaboration with the curators at every stage that led to the selection of the correct lamp colour temperature and output light characteristics for each exhibit, ensuring that all items are enhanced to their optimum - critical subtleties of which the viewer is not aware.

Giant hunks of Topaz glow warmly in the gem hall.