Toronto: The ROM sparkles
Odd Gems by Connie Ng
The ROM has been upping its fashion cred lately. First was this month’s showing of one of Marie-Antoinette’s original court gowns—part of the Out of the Vaults series—complemented by a screening of Sofia Coppola’s biopic, which juxtaposed pounding ’80s music with pale, ivory satin dresses with lavish embroidery, ribbons and bows.
If you’ve missed this museum gem, don’t be too-too upset. More unattainable, one-of-a-kind gems will be on display at the highly anticipated The Nature of Diamonds exhibition, which opened on Saturday.
To showcase the seductive, mystical beauty of diamonds, art and literature intertwines with science and history to form this award-winning exhibit. From the mining process to the stone’s use in medicine and its long standing as the ultimate covetable object of desire, this extensive exploration will satisfy our curiosity about our best friend. To top it off, you can walk through the Gem Vault to discover history’s most high-profile jewellery, worn by the likes of Joan Crawford, Mae West and Elton John. With over 2,600 diamonds, Princess Mathilde’s 200-carat corsage ornament promises to leave you breathless. Though, with a glistening collection of several thousand carats on display, you might want to bring your shades.
Shown: Tiara by Cynthia Bach, made for Salma Hayek
Odd Gems appears every second Wednesday. Visit Connie’s personal blog at theoddgoods.blogspot.com or read her bio here.
