When the Houston Museum of Natural Science swings open its doors today, it will unveil a new permanent exhibit called the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault, a jaw-dropping array of over-the-top jewels, including a 1,869-carat emerald. Lester and Sue Smith, who financed the exhibit, are well-known Houston philanthropists; Mr. Smith, who is in the third generation of his family in the oil business, is a trustee of the museum.

One piece on display is a platinum Tahitian pearl necklace that was recently borrowed by Joan Rivers to wear at an Emmy fashion review. The man behind the necklace is Ernesto Moreira, 36, a jewelry designer who was commissioned by the museum to create a collection using the museum’s existing stash of rare mineral gems.

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