"Jewels and Gems," on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum until Feb. 8, displays many different types of jewelry as a wearable art form. The exhibition, which displays 130 pieces of jewelry made from the 1960s to the present, contains some very unusual pieces. The collection features everything from simple necklaces to elaborately decorated broaches and body ornaments, including accessories made from a variety of media, from wood to diamonds. While some look semi-modern, other pieces look as if they were plucked straight out of ancient times.
Although looking at old jewelry may sound boring, this exhibit features some interesting pieces. For example, an elaborately decorated broach with two striped cats on a multicolored background looks like a small painting rather than a piece of jewelry. The broach has a silver backing, and could be pinned on a jacket or sweater for some unique decoration.
Even more interesting was a sterling silver, full-length body ornament that makes a viewer think "Who would ever actually wear something like that?" Created by Arline Fisch in 1971, it might go quite well with a Halloween costume, but it's hard to imagine that someone would be capable of walking around wearing such a thing.
The collection also contains some woodsy, natural jewelry, many of which use wooden beads and artifacts. Perfect for the Robin Hood enthusiast, these pieces of jewelry belong on display rather than on a person's body. Nonetheless, this artwork is worth checking out.
The exhibition also includes shiny, jeweled and elaborately decorated pieces, highlighted by the extremely delicate-looking brooch, created by John Paul Miller. It is almost like an octopus and shimmers in gold.
The craftsmanship displayed within the collection is definitely something to be appreciated. While most of the jewelry could not be worn on a daily basis, the gorgeous jewelry was amazing to see as an artform.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is near the Farragut North Metro. Enter at the Renwick Gallery on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
