The Walters Art Museum is one of few museums in the world that can provide an array of exquisite jewelry from over 5,000 years of world history and from a vast spectrum of cultures. This exhibition of more than 200 highlights from the Walters’ collection– many of them never displayed before presents the evolution of techniques and materials throughout the ages, and demonstrates the importance of jewelry as an expression of creativity, and often wealth and position. A special focus will be placed on finger rings throughout history, with important examples on loan from the distinguished collection of the New York gemologist Benjamin Zucker.
Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry was organized by the Walters Art Museum. 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. Promotional support for Bedazzled is provided by The Baltimore Examiner.