Process and Product

The Providence Jeweler's Museum was established in 1987 as a non-profit organization to recognize the continuous role of this city in the production of jewelry from the beginning of the nineteenth century and to preserve and display that historical legacy.

The beauty and intricacy of nineteenth-century American jewelry often belies its mechanical mass production in factories. As revealed by the objects in this exhibition, designers applied their talents to myriad products both useful and ornamental.

In conjuction with the decorative arts department at the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, we present this inaugural exhibition from our growing collection of jewelry and the machines that manufactured it.