The Jewellery Vault

Like many collectors of his time, Julius Wernher had a great enthusiasm for jewellery. Over 100 pieces from his collection are on display here.

Dating from the 2nd century BC to the 19th century, they were created using a wide range of techniques. Most are rings, seals and cameos made in Renaissance Europe, and reflect that age’s passion for splendour, ancient Greece and Rome, and exquisite craftsmanship.

Scroll down to find the key objects to look for on each tour.

Star Object

Earring

  • Unknown maker
  • 2nd century BC
  • Gold
  • Greece

Dating to the Hellenistic period (2nd century BC), this remarkable gold earring is the oldest object in the Wernher Collection. It depicts a nude Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory, whose wings are characteristically unfurled as she is depicted descending to earth from flight. 

Hellenistic earrings of this type comprised a pendant figure dangling from a rosette disc on a U-shaped hook. The disc and hook once attached to this earring have been lost. Nike earrings were most popular from the late 4th to early 3rd century BC, making these a little more ‘modern’ than other examples.

Artists and makers

Rosette pendant jewel

  • Unknown maker
  • About 1630
  • Gold, enamel, diamond and pearl
  • France

Between 1620 and 1640, it was fashionable for well-to-do women to wear a single large jewel like this rosette on their bodice.

This one is exquisitely decorated with cosse de pois (‘peapod’) enamelling, characterised by its swirling botanical design. The style originated in France in the 1620s and was influenced by prints featuring highly stylised designs of flowers and plants.