A Fine Possession: Jewellery and Identity
‘I think its a basic human need to adorn oneself.’
In 2022, Powerhouse received an unprecedented gift from Australia’s leading antique jewellery dealer, Anne Schofield AM. Comprised of over 100 rare pieces of historical gemstone jewellery, this acquisition is one of the most significant donations in the museum’s history.
Anne Schofield’s personal jewellery collection includes works created between the 17th and early 20th centuries featuring an astonishing range of gemstones and techniques. Highlights from the Anne Schofield Collection include exquisitely crafted archaeological jewellery, 18th century hardstone intaglios, Carlo Giuliano earrings, an Egyptian-style lapis lazuli demi-parure, Art Nouveau dragonfly and wasp pedants, Cartier and Georg Jensen pieces and a French demi-parure with onyx cameos from 1820.
Internationally renowned for her knowledge and passion for fine jewellery, Ms Schofield established her legendary boutique Anne Schofield Antiques in Woollahra in 1970. It was the first successful business in Australia to specialise in antique jewellery. A long-standing donor and supporter of the Powerhouse as Life Fellow and honorary adviser for jewellery, in 2014 she generously lent 70 significant objects from her personal collection to the award-winning exhibition, .
