CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
SourcingFeb 09, 2016
“Cap” Beesley Goes Ivy League
Yale University has tapped the AGL founder to chair the advisory board overseeing a major expansion of the gem and mineral exhibit at the school’s historic Peabody Museum.
This massive green Chinese fluorite with quartz will be an important part of the new mineral exhibit at Yale University’s Peabody Museum of Natural History. It measures approximately 5 feet long and 4 feet high. (Photo credit: C.R. “Cap” Beesley)
New Haven, Conn.--Yale University has tapped C.R. “Cap” Beesley to chair the advisory board overseeing a major expansion of the gem and mineral exhibit at its historic Peabody Museum of Natural History.
A graduate gemologist who opened American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) in 1977, Beesley exited the lab when then-owners Collectors’ Universe decided to get out of the jewelry business and sold the lab to its current owner, Christopher Smith.
But, Beesley began working with the Peabody even before he left the lab he started.
He said he first became involved with the museum in 2004 or 2005, brought on board by well-known gem merchant and 1962 Yale graduate Benjamin Zucker.
Both have contributed much time and many gifts to the museum over the years.
Now, Beesley is chairing the museum’s Gem & Mineral Advisory Board, which is overseeing a major renovation and expansion of the Hall of Minerals, Earth and Space, which coincides with the museum’s 150th anniversary.
In doing so, he finds himself in some interesting company. Among those on the board is producer, director and 1989 Yale graduate Shawn Levy, whose credits include Night at the Museum and its sequels, and billionaire, Biosphere 2 founder and 1967 Yale graduate Ed Bass.
“I’m probably the only guy who’s not a Yalie on the board,” Beesley laughed.
Since his appointment as chair, Beesley has traveled to China to acquire what he described as “minerals on steroids” to add to the museum’s permanent collection--a 5-foot-long, 4-foot-high piece of lime-green fluorite and a chunk of aragonite that’s almost the same size.
They seem like fitting specimens for a university where mineralogist James Dwight Dana, who is considered the father of systemic mineral classification, attended school and once taught.
The renovated and expanded mineral exhibit at Yale’s Peabody Museum is slated to open in the fall and will be named for Boston-based entrepreneur and mineral collector David Friend (Yale ’69), who put $4 million behind the project.
Beesley said in addition to the outsized specimens he’s acquired, a 75-carat Burma sapphire, a 77-carat fancy intense yellow diamond and blue diamond necklace that’s in the Smithsonian’s collection are slated to be among the gemstones on display.
Those interested in making loans or donations to the hall can contact Beesley at capbeesley@yahoo.com.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
