Events & Awards

Driehaus Museum Displaying Rare Jewels From Chicago Collections

Events & AwardsJun 18, 2024

Driehaus Museum Displaying Rare Jewels From Chicago Collections

The museum also will host jewelry heist-themed movie nights throughout the run of “Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective.”

Louis Comfort Tiffany 1900 gold and opal necklace
A gold and opal necklace, circa 1900, by Louis Comfort Tiffany is one of more than 200 jewels featured in the Driehaus Museum’s new jewelry exhibition. (Photo by Michael Tropea)
Chicago—Chicago’s Driehaus Museum will showcase jewelry, some never seen before, from prominent Chicago collections in a new exhibition that will be on display through September.

The museum, which is focused on art, architecture, and design of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, opened “Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” in May. 

It’s made up of more than 200 pieces of “rare and historically significant” jewelry ranging from the late 17th century to today.

The museum said the curation is the first of its kind, featuring jewelry and decorative arts objects from the Richard H. Driehaus Collection and objects from the Chicago History Museum, the Field Museum, and the Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art, as well as loans from other Chicago institutions, collections, and private lenders.

Marcus & Co. necklace
A Marcus & Co. necklace with gold, enamel, black opal, and pearl from a private collection (Photo by Alex Brescanu, courtesy of the Driehaus Museum)


The exhibition is organized by jewelry historian and author Elyse Zorn Karlin, who served as guest curator of the museum’s 2015 exhibition, “Maker and Muse: Women and 20th Century Art Jewelry.”

“Chicago Collects has a broad thesis that allows us to show a variety of jewelry from across centuries, but what all the works have in common are their origins—they all come from Chicago collectors,” Karlin said. 

“Many of the pieces have never been shown publicly before and they illustrate a number of periods and styles in jewelry history. In addition, the exhibition showcases the work of noted contemporary Chicago goldsmiths. It's been a delight to work with so many wonderful pieces, all right here in Chicago.”

1845 neo-renaissance romanticist bracelet Dieu Donne Jean-Valentin Morel
A Neo-Renaissance Romanticist Bracelet, “Dieu Donne,” created by French gold and silversmith Jean-Valentin Morel in 1845


The exhibition begins with stylistic periods of jewelry history from the last several decades, and from there, items are organized into categories of collecting interest, such as Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Vienna Secession, British Arts & Crafts, Chicago Arts & Crafts, 19th Century Revival, Belle Époque, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Art Deco, Fabergé, Important Makers, Tiaras, and Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary Jewelry.  

 
Highlights include loans from the Field Museum from the 1893 World’s Fair; a rare piece of silver made by Paul Revere, Jr.; a handwrought silver punch bowl belonging to the Cliff Dweller’s Club; and jewelry renderings by Art Nouveau master René Lalique.

 
Rene Lalique chrysanthemum brooch
A chrysanthemum pendant brooch, circa 1900, by Art Nouveau artist Rene Lalique (Photo by John A. Faier, courtesy of the Driehaus Museum)


Jewels and objects made by Chicago artists from the Arts & Crafts Movement, as well as pieces from Chicago’s Kalo Shop, a prominent maker of silver during the movement, will also be featured.

Driehaus Museum Executive Director Lisa Key said, “Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective continues our commitment to presenting new research and ideas around decorative art, and honors the collecting legacy of our founder, Richard H. Driehaus. The exhibition brings audiences closer to a very personal artform—jewelry—to show how history can add new perspectives to our everyday lives. 

“Audiences will be thrilled to experience, up close, incredible works of wearable art and revel in the artistry of this universal artform. We are pleased to work again with Elyse Karlin, whose expertise in jewelry remains unparalleled.”

Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective will be on view at the Driehaus Museum, located 40 E. Erie Street, until Sept. 23. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Throughout the run of the exhibition, the museum will host “Heist Night” events featuring screenings of classic heist films and talks with film experts.

On Wednesday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m., the museum will show the 1975 film “Murph the Surf,” which documents the 1964 heist of the J.P. Morgan jewel collection from New York City’s American Museum of Natural History. 

Karlin, the exhibition’s guest curator, will introduce the film and provide background on the visuals and story.

The 1964 film “Topkapi,” which centers on the theft of an emerald-encrusted dagger from Istanbul's Topkapi Palace, will screen on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m.

Bruce Jenkins, a professor at the School of the Art Institute, will give a primer on the creative team behind the film before the showing. 

“Ocean’s Eight,” the fictional story of the all-female team of thieves targeting a $150 million diamond necklace, will hit the screen on Monday, Sept. 16, at 5:30 p.m.

It will be introduced by Patricia Erens, a professor at the School of the Art Institute.

Attendees must be 18 or older to attend the screenings. Tickets are $25 and student tickets are $15, and both can be purchased on the museum’s event page.  

The Latest

Athena Calderone x John Hardy Collection
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired Collection

Interior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs Impact

During a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

Natural Diamond Council Diamond Learning Center Graphic
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning Center

The free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Jewelers of America logo
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from Members

The feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.

Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Technology Therapy Group logo
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry Retailers

The online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.

Catbird Chicago
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to Chicago

The opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through Love

The “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Robert and Rose-Marie Goodman outside Robert Goodman Jewelers
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-Up

Robert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.

Womens Jewelry Association WJA logo
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter President

The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing Diamonds

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

The Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to Auction

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

Bulgari Eden the Garden of Wonders ad
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 Percent

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

Screenshot from new Jon Hamm series on Apple TV+, Your Friends and Neighbors
CrimeApr 15, 2025
Jon Hamm Plays a Jewel Thief on Apple TV+

The “Mad Men” and “The Morning Show” star steals jewelry, art, and handbags from his wealthy neighbors in “Your Friends & Neighbors.”

Kalpesh Jhaveri
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 Board

The organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.

Two Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai

An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.

Sauer Balance Earrings in Ma Campaign
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ Collection

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

Mari Lous Fine Jewelry
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 Years

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA logo
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Earrings Similar to Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AI

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Kentaro Nishimura
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 Days

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

Brigette and Laura Pheloung with Tania and Anita Sarin
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day Campaign

Brigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy