A unique exhibition of precious gems, a fabulous collection of the world's largest topazes and 17 gem-inlaid sculptures from Spain made of gold and silver opened yesterday at the Natural History Museum.

The exhibition was organised as part of the cultural exchange programmes of the Natural History Museum and the International Exchange Programme of the Royal Collections of Spain. The Royal Collections contain some of the world's rarest gems.

The exhibition was opened by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Diwan Al Emiri, and was attended by Manuel Pompo Bravo, Ambassador of Spain in Abu Dhabi; Fulgencia Alcaraz, Vice President of the International Exchange Programme of Royal Collections, and Dr Abdul Aziz Al Midfa, Director General of the Environment Protected Area Authority.

Museum Director Hana Al Suwaidi said the exhibition would help promote cultural cooperation between the museum and its counterpart in Spain, which had earlier displayed a collection of minerals from the UAE.

"Visitors to the exhibition, entitled 'Wonders of the Gemstone's Art', will have a rare opportunity to view some of the finest precious stones in the world, and learn how artists use them to add glitter and value to their work," she said.

Hana added that people would find in it something unique and different from other exhibitions since this was the first of its kind in the UAE. The sculptures and the precious gems will be on display until June 11.

One hundred topazes are also displayed, which are believed to be the largest topazes in the world. "Lua De Maraba" of 25,250 carats, "Amarello" of 8,225 carats and "Amanpaui" of 9,600 carats are the highlights.