Natural Wonders Of The Jewelry World

By Kate Novack

Diamond brooches, jade earrings and strands of pearls are not standard art-museum fare. The National Jewelry Institute, a new nonprofit organization, hopes to change that on Aug. 20 when it opens its inaugural show, "Masterpieces of American Jewelry," at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The exhibition is the first museum retrospective of American jewelryeach of its 150 pieces was manufactured in the U.S. "What makes up the American spirit?" asks Ralph Esmerian, a fourth-generation collector who curated the show. "There's a whimsy about it and a tremendous appreciation for nature." Buyers beware; one thing these baubles are not is for sale. --By Kate Novack