The Gemological Institute of America has a starring role in a featurette contained in the recently released DVD collector’s edition of The Pink Panther, the original movie starring Peter Sellers.

Two GIA experts, one from the GIA Museum and the other a GIA Education diamond specialist, are showcased in the special feature titled, “Diamonds: Beyond the Sparkle,” a seven-minute documentary about some of the most well-known historical diamonds. The two authorities share information about diamond facts and famous diamonds to help explain the allure of the fictional pink panther diamond tale.

Brenda Harwick, GIA resident gem instructor, talks about the stories behind other legendary diamonds including the Koh-I-Noor, the Hope, and the Cullinan.

Harwick brings diamonds into the present day by explaining how in the past only kings and queens or high-ranking nobility were allowed to wear diamonds and how today, anyone can wear them.

“Many people who come out of a jewelry store may think their diamond is coming straight from the mine, being cut and shipped to the display case when it could possibly be a diamond with its own lengthy history, and that was on who-knows-who’s finger before your own,” Harwick said.

In addition to the interviews, footage from the Institute’s Four C’s video is included and various photos from the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center appear throughout the documentary.

JCK