BOSTON - Celebrating the universality of body adornment throughout the ages and across cultures, this newly renovated gallery presents highlights from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston's renowned jewelry collection. From ancient artifacts to fine jewelry to designs made by contemporary artists, the presentation connects objects that span 4,000 years by exploring how jewelry can communicate strong messages about its wearer and exemplify the art and culture of its time.

Emily Stoehrer,  the Rita J. Kaplan and Susan B. Kaplan Curator of Jewelry, has gathered more than 150 objects, including an ancient Egyptian broad collar necklace; 19th-century works by Castellani and Carlo Giuliano; 20th-century designs by Marcus & Co., Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari; René Boivin’s starfish brooch from 1937; and fashion jewelry by Chanel, Dior, and Elsa Peretti. Acquisitions of contemporary jewelry by gallery artists Melanie Bilenker, Jamie Bennett, and Sondra Sherman are featured.