19th Century BLING - Goldfields Jewellery

An enchanting exhibition of lavish Australian gold jewellery, 19th Century BLING explores little known parts of history and the impact of the unique designs on the socio political landscape of Australia and beyond.

The jewellery created for miners (diggers) and their families when they struck gold was ostentatious, and often incorporated non-traditional emblems like the mining tools they used including picks, shovels, spades, pistols, sluices and pans.

It was the 'bling" of its day and represented diggers' claims for legitimacy and power.

M.A.D.E has gathered over 150 rare, fascinating and exquisite pieces for the exhibition, which traces the development of this subversive form of wearable decorative art and significant objects from the Australian goldfields 1851 to 1901, plus some key international examples.

M.A.D.E is partnering with Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum in Ballarat to present part of the exhibition, and present an exciting range of events around the show including workshops, lectures and education offerings.

Generously supported by The Ian Potter Foundation, The Gordon Darling Foundation and Federation University Australia.