Jewelers Mutual to host Smithsonian curator

By JCK Online Staff -- JCK Online, 10/16/2006 3:39:00 PM

Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company is hosting an exclusive presentation by the curator of Smithsonian's National Gem Collection in Washington, D.C., Jeffrey E. Post on Nov. 1. Presentations will be held 4:30 and 7 p.m. at Jewelers Mutual's office in Neenah. The reservations-only presentations are free and open to the public.

The jewels housed by the Smithsonian are rich with history and lore. Post's presentation will provide insight about many of the nation's most treasured gems and minerals.

A native of Wisconsin, Post began his career at the Smithsonian more than 20 years ago. He has been curator of the National Gem and Mineral Collection since 1991. A published author of numerous scientific articles, he also wrote the book, The National Gem Collection, published by the Smithsonian.

"We are honored that Dr. Post has accepted our invitation to speak at our community presentation," said Ron Harder, Jewelers Mutual chief executive officer. "He is a leading authority in his field."

Complementing Post's presentation is the recently renamed R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals, located in Jewelers Mutual's lobby. The gallery was renamed in honor of Harder, who will retire from the company in May 2007. Open to the public since 1998, it houses one of the nation's largest private collections of gemstones and minerals in their natural state. Visitors are invited to explore the gallery before and after the presentation.

The presentation is part of Jewelers Mutual's biannual community presentations. They began in 1998, the same year the gallery opened, featuring gemstone experts from throughout the United States.

Space is limited. Call Linda at (920) 521-2301 to make reservations.