Jewelry: From Pearls to Platinum to Plastic

This catalogue presents the evolution of the Newark Museum’s jewelry collection, showcasing prime examplesthat document the makers, styles, and craftsmanship, both antique and contemporary. The museum began collecting jewelry in 1911 when Archibald Mercer donated two antique gold watches, and over the years generations ofold Newark families have contributed to the museum’s holdings. What started out in the 1990s as a collection focused on the products of Newark’s jewelry industry has developed into what is today one of the most comprehensivejewelry holdings in the country, including ancient, African, Asian, European, and American jewelry.

Offering a rich sampling of the jewelry from the extensiveDecorative Arts collection at the Newark Museum, thisvolume reflects on the wide array of materials peoplehave used over the centuries—from pebbles toprecious stones and metals to glass, enamel,and plastic—to create beautiful worksthat transcend personal adornmentand become pieces of art.