(RAPAPORT) The Kazanjian Red diamond will be on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County through May 29, 2009. The rare diamond was found in South Africa, probably in 1927. During World War II, it was stolen in Arnhem during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, and hidden in a salt mine with other looted treasures. When it was recovered it was initially mistaken for a ruby. The diamond has passed through several owners, including Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, but was finally purchased by Los Angeles-based Kazanjian Bros. in 2007. This is the first exhibition of the diamond in the U.S. A sneak peak at the stone was offered at the museum this past October, before the diamond was sent to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for examination.

Kazanjian Bros., which named the diamond, was founded in 1918 and remains a family business. Through the display and sale of private jewelry collections, the company's Kazanjian Foundation raises funds for scholarship programs for underprivileged youths.

The diamond can be viewed seven days a week at the museum, located at 900 Exposition Boulevard, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6.50 for students and seniors and $2 for children ages 5 to 12.




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