A medallion with a royal portrait.
Photo: Erik Lernestål, the Royal Armoury/SHM (CC BY-SA 3.0).
  1. The Royal Armoury
  2. Exhibitions
  3. Past Exhibitions
  4. The Glitter and the Gold – Jewellery in the Royal Armoury

November 28, 2014 – August 16, 2015

The Glitter and the Gold – Jewellery in the Royal Armoury

The exhibition shows jewellery related to Swedish kings and queens, princes and princesses from the 16th century until now. The objects are from the Royal Armoury, Skokloster Castle and the Hallwyl Museum’s collections and some are in private ownership.

Symbols of power and wealth

For a long time jewellery was reserved for men and women in the upper classes of society. Precious stones, pearls and precious metals were symbols of power and wealth. This social marker was erased only in the early 19th century. More people could now afford jewellery. At the same time wearing jewellery increasingly became a privilege for women.

<em>Photo: Erik Lernestål</em>/SHM.

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