Jewels, Gems, and Treasures: Ancient to Modern – New Exhibition

By Erika W.

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts opened a new exhibition, Jewels, Gems, and Treasures: Ancient to Modern on July 19. The show features 75 jewelry pieces from the museum’s existing collection in addtion to select loaned jewels, which “range from a 24th-century BC Nubian conch shell amulet, to Mary Todd Lincoln’s 19th-century diamond and gold suite, to a 20th-century platinum, diamond, ruby, and sapphire Flag brooch honoring the sacrifices of the Doughboys in World War I.”

Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – Avenue of the Arts – 465 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115

When: July 19, 2011 – November 25, 2012

Emerald and diamond brooch owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post – circa 1920

J-K color and VS clarity old mine cut diamond earrings owned by Mary Todd Lincoln – circa 1860

Enamel, pearl, and moonstone marsh bird brooch by Charles Robert Ashbee – 1901-1902

English Arts and Crafts brooch by John Paul Cooper – 1908

Photos: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

“Today, in the West, we have come to regard diamond, pearl, emerald, sapphire, and ruby as the most precious of materials. That has not always been the case. Other substances have commanded equal attention, from feathers, claws, and mica appliqués to coral and rock crystal, serving a protective role, guarding their wearer from dangerous circumstances or malevolent forces. Other substances, especially those that are rare and available to a select few, are signifiers of wealth and power.” – MFA