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Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry
10/19/2008

Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry
Oct. 19, 2008–Jan. 4, 2009

The Walters is one of the few museums worldwide that can provide an array of exquisite jewelry from 5,000 years of world history and a vast spectrum of cultures. It is the most wide-ranging collection of jewelry assembled by a private collector in the United States. Through the connoisseurship of founder Henry Walters, this renowned collection contains beautiful examples of craftsmanship, ranging from about 3000 B.C. to the early 20th century. With over 200 objects from the Walters’ collection—many never before exhibited—Bedazzled will present the evolution of jewelry-making techniques and materials throughout the ages as well as demonstrate the significance of jewelry as an expression of creativity and often wealth and position. A special section will be devoted to rings, the only type of jewelry worn continuously through the ages. Bedazzled traveled to The Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville from Sept. 16, 2006–Jan. 14, 2007 and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Fla. from Feb. 3–May 27, 2007.

The exhibition includes many spectacular pieces from the renowned collection of Benjamin Zucker (New York), which are on loan to the Walters.  Bedazzled is presented by The Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Museum with lead support from Betty Cooke, Bill Steinmetz, and The Store Ltd.; Richard S. and Rosalee C. Davison; The Eliasberg Family Foundation; and The Tiffany & Co. Foundation.  Additional support is provided by Bob and Jackie Smelkinson.

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