A diamond tiara, probably English, circa 1900. This jewel was a favorite of Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. Courtesy Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

CHICAGO, ILL. – “Pearls” will appear at the Field Museum from June 28 through January 5.

“Pearls” is the largest, most ambitious exhibition ever put together on this fascinating and multifaceted subject, with more than 600 objects and nearly half a million individual pearls.

The exhibition includes 40-million-year-old fossil pearls that still hold their luster; the largest giant clam ever collected; pearls from unusual sources like conchs and snails; and, of course, fabulous jewelry and fashions that have adorned the likes of Queen Victoria and Marie Antoinette, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe.

“Pearls” is organized by The American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with The Field Museum, Chicago. The two museums are the only venues for the exhibition.

The Field Museum is at 1400 South Lake Shore Drive. For information call 312-922-9410. For tickets call 312-902-1500.