Register

Virtual Author Talk: Dr. Jeffrey Post

Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection

In an online author talk, Dr. Jeffrey Post discusses his new book "The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed." Register to receive the link to join and submit questions.

Emeritus curator of the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection, Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, talks about The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels.

The Smithsonian’s Unearthed explores the scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world's greatest gems. In this book, the surprising stories behind this world-renowned gem collection are brought to life by Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection for over 30 years. Dr. Post tells the stories of the Smithsonian's most famous gems, including the Hope Diamond, Star of Asia Sapphire, Carmen Lucia Ruby, Hooker Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond. He presents the tales, details, and fascinating facts surrounding rarely displayed gems from the Smithsonian vault and recent additions made to the collection.

Dr. Jeffrey Edward Post, a native of Wisconsin, received Bachelor of Science degrees in geology and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville, and his Ph.D. in chemistry, with a specialty in geochemistry, from Arizona State University.  Prior to joining the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History in 1984, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for three years in the Department of Geological Sciences at Harvard University.  He was Chairman of the Department of Mineral Sciences 1989-1994 and 2014-2019, and from 1991 to 2023 served as Curator-in-Charge of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection. Dr. Post was the lead Curator for the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals that opened in 1997. In May 2023 he was appointed research curator, emeritus. 

Upcoming Events