GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsMar 07, 2017
The Jewelry Exhibition Not to Be Missed This Spring
Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon’s collection of Jean Schlumberger jewelry, the largest in the world, is on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Jasmine “Breath of Spring” Necklace, 1966 (model 1962) by Jean Schlumberger (Photo by David Stover © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)
Richmond, Va.-- Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon’s vast collection of Jean Schlumberger jewelry is currently on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Schlumberger is one of last century’s pre-eminent jewelry designers. Born in Paris, he lived from 1907 to 1987.
He rose to prominence making costume jewelry for Elsa Schiaparelli in Paris in the 1930s. In the 1950s, Schlumberger headed to New York where he ran his own salon at Tiffany & Co.
He was known for his fantastical, nature-inspired designs that were both highly sculptural and fastidiously intricate.
A total of 142 pieces of Schlumberger’s work are on display at the exhibition, titled “The Rachel Lambert Mellon Collection of Jean Schlumberger.”
Mellon, whom VMFA Director Alex Nyerges called “one of the most generous donors in our history,” was a prominent philanthropist, with homes throughout the eastern United States, including an estate in Virginia where she died in 2014.
Though much of her vast jewelry collection was sold at Sotheby’s that same year, she bequeathed her Schlumberger collection to the museum.
Mellon’s primary passion was horticulture, which perhaps explains her affinity for Schlumberger’s botanical and animal jewelry, and his art objects.
Nyerges explained: “These extraordinary works--with their vibrant colors, exquisite craftsmanship, and natural inspirations--showcase Schlumberger’s dazzling imagination and clarity of vision.”
The VMFA’s Mellon collection of Schlumberger works is the largest in the world.
Mellon, along with husband Paul Mellon, were longtime supporters of the VMFA, and donated their collections of French, British and American art to the VMFA in the past, including works by Degas, Monet and Bonnard. All are housed in a special wing of the museum.
The Schlumberger exhibition was curated by Mitchell Merling, VMFA’s Paul Mellon Curator and head of the Department of European Art, and Kristie Couser, curatorial associate for the Mellon Collections.
“The works of art that debut here collectively reveal the dedication to perfection and beauty that united the artist and his great friend and patron,” said Merling.
Opened last month, the exhibition will be on view through June 18. Admission is free.
For more information, visit the VMFA website.
For more information, visit the VMFA website.
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear FocusMove over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in CanadaThe New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal CatalogThe “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysHoliday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2025
Winners of Austin Jewelry Design Contest Announced Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.
TrendsSep 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kwit Jewelry’s Square Signet Pinky RingThe red and azure colorway is one of many fun enamel pairings offered, bringing whimsy to the classic style of a monogramed signet ring.
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2025
JA CEO Provides Tariff Update Following Annual Fly-InA trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.
SourcingSep 25, 2025
2 African Countries Aim to Take Stake in De Beers Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2025
Kira Jewels Expands Lab-Grown Diamond ProductionThe manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.
IndependentsSep 25, 2025
Alex Moss’ New Flagship Brings Bold Jewels to SoHoThe jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.
WatchesSep 25, 2025
Wilson & Son Jewelers Donates to the Horological Society of New YorkThe Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.
