By Anthony DeMarco
Senior Contributor, Forbes
When the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County renames its Gem and Mineral Hall after Robert Procop, it reflects more than a distinguished Los Angeles jewelry career—it traces a connection built, quite literally, through the stones.
Procop’s involvement began with the 2021–2022 exhibition Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels, where he helped assemble a major display drawing in part from his own collection alongside museum holdings and outside loans. That effort—bringing important private gems into a public setting—led to his invitation to join the museum’s board of trustees.
A second exhibition followed—100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World—bringing together exceptional 100-carat gemstones from multiple sources, including Procop’s own. From there, his role expanded into supporting the collection, upgrading secure storage, and helping guide the hall’s upcoming redesign.
Now, with the hall bearing his name, that evolution—from exhibitor to steward—comes full circle.
Tap here to read Tony DeMarco’s full Forbes feature
