When Gold Blossoms

Image from Michael C. Carlos Museum website

When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection is on view at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University in Atlanta. The exhibition has more than 150 pieces from 2,000 years and “celebrates the dazzling beauty and awe-inspiring technical craftsmanship of Indian jewelry.”

Much of the jewelry in When Gold Blossoms is from South India, where gold is the preferred metal for jewelry making. The title also reflects the influence of nature on jewelry design. The exhibition includes rings, anklets, earrings, hair pendants and more. In addition to the jewelry itself, photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries will be displayed so that viewers can see how the pieces are worn and used.

In India, jewelry is worn not only for ornamental reasons, but also because of its symbolism. Both men and women wear jewelry from head to toe for its beauty and the belief that it offers protection and prosperity. Materials in the jewelry are also said to have certain powers, including purification (gold) or channeling energy (gems). There is much to learn about Indian jewelry and its meaning, so click here to read more.

The exhibition runs through July 11. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Click here for an article about the exhibition in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (prices also included at the end of the article).