FRUIT ‘n’ VEG: The Jewels of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon with Adrian Dickens

Early in 2019, Adrian had the opportunity to visit Florida to view the unique collection of jewels and objects loaned to The Museum of Fine Arts, St Petersburg in a retrospective of the jewels of Jean Schlumberger.

Over 140 pieces were displayed to celebrate the patronage of Schlumberger’s most famous American client, horticulturalist and philanthropist, Rachel “Bunny” Mellon. From gold cherries to seashells, jellyfish to tiger lilies, Mother Nature comes alive in the most stunningly beautiful and wearable way.

Join Adrian for a journey around of some of the mid-20th century’s most unusual and colourful jewels.

ADRIAN DICKENS trained in the United Kingdom for six years and has been a fixture on the Melbourne and Sydney fine jewellery scene for over 30 years. Adrian’s knowledge of historical and recent jewellery trends are insightful.  He regularly gives talks and presentations nationally and internationally. He has managed some of Australia’s fine jewellery houses and now runs CircaAD Jewels. Adrian’s most recent presentation at the TJC was Bejewelled Treasures Owned by the Discerningly Wealthy.

Jasmine (Breath of Spring) (necklace), designed by Jean Schlumberger (French, 1907-1987), made by Tiffany and Company, (American, founded 1837 - ) 1966, model 1962, 18 karat gold, platinum, coloured sapphire and diamond, from the collection of Mrs Paul Mellon.

Rachel Lambert Mellon Collection of Jean Schlumberger, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, 2015.77