Throughout history, jewelry has served both functional and decorative purposes, reflecting not only the patron’s particular values and interests, but also the social, political, and economic circumstances of the time and place of its creation. In France, Paris has long been considered a center of innovation in fashion, the visual arts, and jewelry production.

Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris is an exhibition at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, on view from June 4–September 10, 2017, that charts the course of jewelry design in France over four centuries, tracking the country’s evolving jewelry aesthetic as it responded to historical events and art historical movements. The exhibition also tells the story of dozens of talented artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, who created extraordinary works of art using the most precious materials on earth.

Drawn from the exceptional holdings of the Petit Palais, Paris, with generous contributions from lenders, the exhibition brings together dazzling works from the great jewelry houses of Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Lalique, and Van Cleef & Arpels from the seventeenth century to the early 1950s. Visitors will see nearly seventy pieces of fine jewelry (brooches, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more) and objet d’art, over one hundred technical and creative design drawings, and numerous fashion prints that demonstrate the relationship between jewelry and fashion. A unique experience at Joslyn, Bijoux Parisiens offers an impressive platform for discovering the history of French taste and the enduring elegance of Paris.

Bijoux Parisiens has been produced by the Petit Palais, City of Paris Fine Art Museum, Paris Musées, in association with the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis, TN, and Joslyn Art Museum.

Purchase the Bijoux Parisiens exhibition catalogue in the Hitchcock Museum Shop or online: $54.95 (Member price: $49.46)

The Joslyn Art Museum Association’s (JAMA) annual Gala, presented by Gunderson’s, is Saturday, June 3, at the Museum. The evening promises a stroll through Paris as guests preview the exquisite new exhibition Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris.  

The 2017 Gala honorary chairs are Ellen and Stavely Wright. Event chairs are Mary Lou Brasee, Melanie Hecker, and Debbie Wood. JAMA president is Brady Pape Gibson. The most significant fundraiser of the year at Joslyn, the Gala supports the Museum’s education and outreach programs, which, in 2016, benefited more than 131,000 people. 

The formal French evening begins at 6 pm with a cocktail reception and exhibition viewing. Guests will then venture outdoors to an air-conditioned tent where a French dining experience awaits. The menu features a cheese course, classic French preparations of a variety of vegetables, and steak au poivre, an entrée that originated in the 19th century bistros of Normandy in the north of France. Dinner will be followed by an array of decadent French mini pastries, chocolates, and coffee.

Jewels take center stage throughout the evening, punctuated by the auction of a vintage Cartier piece, donated by Gunderson’s. The early 1900s lariat-style necklace, is platinum with rose cut diamonds and pearls. One side of the pendant features a watch with mechanical movement while the opposite side is more decorative, with a Cartier diamond emblem. The necklace is approximately 18 inches in length, with the lariat-style drop adding five inches. Those unable to attend the event but who wish to bid on the necklace must call (402) 661-3883 to make arrangements no later than June 1.

Gala attire is formal. Valet parking available. Raise-the-paddle mobile giving throughout the event (guests may
pre-register their mobile devices at joslyn.home.qtego.net). Gala Tickets: $250 individual; tables from $2,500. This event
is filling quickly; reservations at http://bit.ly/JAMGala2017. With questions, please email gala@joslyn.org or call
(402) 661-3858.