Behold the glittering arc of jewels across the centuries – from royal treasure troves to stylish runways to bejeweled celebrities and Hollywood’s brightest stars! Think of the crowns of British royalty, Marie Antoinette’s infamous diamond necklace, and the Russian Imperial treasures – juxtaposed with Marilyn Monroe’s shimmering moment in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes or the unforgettable jewel collections of the Duchess of Windsor and Elizabeth Taylor.

We’ll go beyond the West to the lavish courts of Ottoman sultans and Chinese emperors, then come back home to examine the Rhode Island jewelry industry. We’ll also explore the artistry of great jewelers like Tiffany and Cartier, the enduring cultural impact of legendary stones like the Hope Diamond, and some breathtaking jewelry exhibitions in the world’s leading museums.

Jewels have forever shaped politics, style, and our cultural imagination. Whether symbols of power, icons of wealth, or tokens of love, they have always embodied both fantasy and reality with eye-popping splendor. This course invites you to experience them in all their glory. After all, as Marilyn reminded us, “Diamonds may not talk, but they do have stories to tell.”

Format: Class members will give a presentation on a topic they select from a prepared list. We’ll also watch a movie about a spectacular jewel heist,Topkapi, from 1964 starring Melina Mercouri, Maximillian Schell, and Peter Ustinov.

Resources/Expenses: Online reading material and YouTube videos will be assigned for review before each class session. No additional expenses.

Coordinators: Kip Brott earned his BA and MA degrees in art history from UCLA, and he’s taught a number of popular fashion courses at LLC previously. Kip has led several fashion-themed reading groups at the Athenaeum Library here in Providence and he’s been a frequent guest lecturer at Hamilton House. Celene Healy is a retired English teacher who has been a member of LLC for over 12 years. She’s coordinated many LLC courses, including short stories, museums of the world, and places to see and visit in Rhode Island. Laura Tucker is a retired high tech corporate librarian and business continuity manager. She’s been an LLC member for 10 years, taking mostly theatre and film courses. She’s the Performing Arts liaison on the LLC Curriculum Committee and a member of the LLC Tech Committee.