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This fall, museums will have you measuring diamond carats by the hundreds, controlling a ball with your mind (for real!) and counting a president's pocket change.

By Madeline Nusser

“THE NATURE OF DIAMONDS”
The Field Museum, October 23–March 28

THE GIST
You’ll practically need sunglasses to handle the sparkle: Nearly 800 objects include the ginormous 128.54-carat yellow Tiffany Diamond that Audrey Hepburn wore for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Bling naysayers can study the geological stone formation or read up on the Kimberly Process—the way dealers identify blood-free diamonds.

WOW FACTOR
At 407.48 carats, the Incomparable Diamond—the name pretty much says it all—is the largest flawless diamond ever graded by the GIA and the world’s third-largest cut diamond.

CLIMACTIC MOMENT
If 7,000 square feet of radiance isn’t enough, check out more shiny stones upstairs. The Field’s newly rehabbed Grainger Hall of Gems- features an array of precious stones in its second-floor gallery.

WEIRDEST DISPLAY
Jewelry goes hand-in-hand with odd diva owners, like Elton John, who rocked out a six-inch Cartier diamond brooch on display here.

NEXT>>

“The Nature of Diamonds” | “YOU! The Experience” | “With Malice Toward None” | “National Geographic Crittercam” | “Fantasea”

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