Dazzling examples of rich Hellenistic goldsmithing and jewelry making are showcased in the exhibition titled “Art in Gold: Jewelry in the Hellenistic Era,” which opens today at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. The exhibition brings together valuable objects from its own collections, along with pieces from 30 other Greek museums, five international museums, and Greek Archaeological Ephorates. The aim is to introduce visitors to Hellenistic jewelry, an art form rich in symbolism, and to explore its crafting techniques.

The development of jewelry-making during the Hellenistic period, from 323 BC (the year of Alexander the Great’s death) to 30 BC (when Rome annexed Egypt), saw rapid progress. This was due to the vast expanse of the Hellenistic world, stretching from the Adriatic to Afghanistan and from Ethiopia to modern Ukraine, as well as extensive exchanges within a wide network of kingdoms. Additionally, the enormous quantities of gold appropriated by Alexander the Great from the treasuries of Persian kings contributed to this flourishing craft.

During that time, intricately crafted gold jewelry was used to adorn women’s bodies and clothing, symbolizing wealth and power. In some cases, these pieces were believed to possess protective properties, while others were offered as votive gifts to deities.

The exhibition includes impressive gold necklaces, rings, and earrings with intricate miniature designs, hair accessories, pins, wreaths with gold leaves, ornate belts, clay votive figurines, and jewelry-making tools from the 2nd century BC. These artifacts transport visitors back to a flourishing era where the art of jewelry-making was at its peak. Notably, the exhibition highlights precious jewelry from the “Treasure of Thessaly / Karpenisi,” crafted in a prominent Macedonian workshop of the 3rd-2nd century BC, likely owned by Macedonian royalty. These pieces, positioned at the heart of the exhibition, naturally captivate the audience’s attention.

Visitors can also gain insights into the crafting of Hellenistic jewelry through five animation videos that showcase the making of five selected pieces from the Benaki Museum. Additionally, another video documents the three-year experimental process of reconstructing part of an elaborate Hellenistic gold diadem.

The exhibition also bridges the past with the present by featuring contemporary creations from eight Greek and international artists.