Congratulations…you’ve made it…next week marks the official first day of summer (June 21)! For those of you still working on your vacation plans, we’ve rounded up some special jewelry exhibitions in London, New York, Los Angeles, Newport and Charlotte. If you’re visiting one or more of these marvelous cities, why not take an air-conditioned break and check out the must-see jewelry lovers’ destinations profiled below. Have a dazzling Summer of ’18!
Queen Victoria’s Jewels at Kensington Palace, London
Loyal royal wedding watchers and London travelers take note: For the ultimate tiara fix, visit the “Victoria Revealed” exhibition now on view at Kensington Palace. According to Sotheby’s, “Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a great interest in each other’s clothes, and even before their marriage Prince Albert had shown a particular inclination towards jewellery design. The Royal couple’s enthusiasm for jewels is well documented, Victoria writing in her journal, in 1843, ‘We were very busy looking over various pieces of old jewellery of mine, settling to have some reset, in order to add to my fine parures. Albert has such taste and arranges everything for me about my jewels.’”
The exhibit runs through January, 2020. For more information, please click here.
Beyoncé’s Butterfly Bling at the V&A, London
In May, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter donated a butterfly (papillon) ring given to her by husband Jay-Z to the V&A (Victoria & Albert) Museum in London. Designed by British jeweler Glenn Spiro, the ring features an oversized butterfly in a vibrant combination of colorful gemstones. Watch a video of the butterfly fluttering its wings here:
For more information about the exhibit, visit www.vam.ac.uk
“Jewelry on 2” at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York
Newly renovated at its flagship store, Saks Fifth Avenue’s jewelry department, “Jewelry on 2,” now comprises 7,000 square feet of sparkling luxury. The beautiful “boutique aesthetic” space includes legacy and up-and-coming designers, private jewelry viewing rooms, repair and cleaning services, and personal shoppers. Don’t miss it! For more information, visit saksfifthavenue.com.
David Webb Designs for Doris Duke, Newport, Rhode Island
If you’re visiting Newport this summer, be sure to make time for “Designing for Doris: David Webb Jewelry and Newport’s Architectural Gem,” an exhibit running through November 11 at Rough Point, the former Duke estate. David Webb designed for dozens of society ladies, but none was more important to him than tobacco heiress Doris Duke. They shared a passion for Asian art and fine gemstones and diamonds, many of which the wealthy Duke inherited. See the jewels of their long collaboration while touring Duke’s magnificent home. Click here for more information.
Oscar de la Renta Retrospective in Charlotte, NC
Following a blockbuster show at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Mint Museum in Charlotte has opened a new, custom-curated version of “The Glamour and Romance of Oscar de la Renta.” The exhibition celebrates the illustrious 5-decade career of the influential fashion designer, and explores daywear, gowns and jewels not seen in other iterations of the exhibit. Through July 29; for more information, visit mintmuseum.org.
The Crown Costume Exhibition in Beverly Hills, CA
The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California, presents an inside look at the British royal family, Hollywood style. “The Crown: Imagining a Royal World” is an exhibition of artifacts from the Netflix series The Crown: Season 2. This free multimedia exhibition, running through July 29, features fashions and jewelry central to the award-winning show we all know and love. Click here for museum hours.
OBJ Cleaning Tips: Summer Jewelry On-The-Go
Since packing light is the key to any good summer vacation, here are two products every jewelry lover should stash in her luggage or tote. Use a handy Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik on your diamond rings and all your precious jewelry. Just twist, brush and dazzle! And try Connoisseurs Fashion Jewelry Wipes, the pre-moistened wipes that work on all your costume and fashion jewelry. Carry on!
