George Balanchine's three-part "Jewels" series premiered in New York in 1961. It centers on Emeralds, evoking Romantic era France with a score by Fauré; Rubies, whose wit embodies Stravinsky's music; and Diamonds, inspired by the grandeur of the Mariinsky Ballet, where Balanchine was trained. This 2006 performance by the Mariinksy company features some of its biggest stars.