First piece donated to GIA’s American Jewelry Design Council Collection

The “Yellow Orchid” diamond and yellow sapphire brooch has been donated to the Gemological Institute of America’s American Jewelry Design Council Collection. Created in 18K gold and platinum by Mark Patterson from the “Intensity” line, it features 36 diamonds totaling .57 cts. and 184 fancy yellow sapphires weighing 12.03 cts.

This marks the first signature piece created for the joint endeavor between GIA and the American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC) to establish a special collection of contemporary designer jewelry for display. The AJDC is a nonprofit organization that recognizes and promotes jewelry of original design as art.

GIA’s American Jewelry Design Council Collection, a subset of the Institute’s Signature Collection, will comprise designer pieces gifted to GIA by AJDC members. Each piece best represents the AJDC member’s personal style. “The collection will help the public become educated on the intricacies of American jewelry design,” said Jose Hess, an accomplished jewelry designer and the campaign’s honorary chairperson.

Patterson and his wife Josette are former GIA instructors, he in gemology and she in jewelry design. They have been designing and creating fine jewelry since the early 1980s. Patterson is known worldwide for implementing graduating tones of precious gems into his pieces.

“This dramatic, colorful orchid perfectly represents Mark’s unique style,” said Josette. “It has been previously displayed in other museum exhibits, and we’re proud to make GIA its permanent home.”

“This is an absolutely incredible piece,” said Patricia Syvrud, manager of In-Kind Gifts. “We are so thrilled the Pattersons have made this generous contribution of such a striking piece. It is a fantastic way to kick off the campaign.”

For information on making a contribution to GIA’s Signature Collection, or any of GIA’s museum collections, please contact Patricia Syvrud at 760-603-4432 from outside the U.S., or toll-free at 800-421-7250, ext. 4432.

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