This summer, downtown will welcome a new cultural gem. Sharon Ryback, a longtime jewelry collector, is opening the Museum of Costume Jewelry at 60 Haywood St., directly across from Pack Memorial Library.
The museum will feature hundreds of pieces, many from Ryback’s personal collection. The exhibits will include bracelets, brooches, and extravagant necklaces from renowned designers such as Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Christian Dior. Ryback has spent the last decade planning the museum, which aims to offer the public a chance to enjoy these beautiful works of art.
Among the 31 exhibits, visitors can explore jewelry that reflects the social and political climate of past eras. One exhibit, marking the 80th anniversary of World War II, will showcase “patriotic and sweetheart jewelry.” These are pieces women wore to show support for loved ones in the military, such as brooches symbolizing a son or husband in service.
Additionally, the museum will feature trench art jewelry from World War I. Soldiers used materials like airplane aluminum to craft personalized accessories, which they sent home to their families.
The museum’s mission is to educate visitors about the evolution of jewelry throughout the 20th century, covering styles from Art Nouveau to the Glamour Years. A library of jewelry books and a classroom for lectures will also be part of the museum, offering learning opportunities for students and local artists through talks with historians and curators.
The Museum of Costume Jewelry is scheduled to open later this summer, with a special exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of Art Deco. For fashion enthusiasts, the gift shop will offer vintage pieces, including designs from prestigious jewelers like Gripoix.
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