A History of Jewellery

This jewellery history course transcends borders and centuries with an emphasis from the Middle Ages to today and gives insight into the collection of 3,500 jewels in the V&A’s William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery, other museum departments and major international museum collections. Beyond a chronology, various themes will be explored as well as the century-long traditions of making jewellery, the use of prints and drawings as inspiration and the effect of innovative modern technologies. Changes in economy and society were significant in the choice of jewels and materials, as were new trends in dress fashions. Styles were often influenced by international trade and art movements. Jewels are more than simply adornment and symbols of status, they are worn as a sign of authority and distinction, symbols of faith, protective amulets, and personal to the wearer express devotion, love, grief and hope. In essence jewellery is more than adornment, it accompanies the wearer through life from cradle to grave marking special occasions.