The Jewellery Collection
The bulk of the jewellery collection of about 700 pieces is the gift of Mrs Anne Hull Grundy, art and jewellery historian, who gave us a collection dating from the sixteenth to the mid 20th century.
Image: Malachite and silver brooch, 1865. Photograph Ulster Museum
The earliest pieces complement the 'Girona' jewels, held by the Antiquities department. Some particularly strong sections are our holdings of 18th century paste, 19th century jewellery in all its variety and Art Nouveau jewellery. Our collection of 19th century Irish jewellery is probably the most complete in existence.
The contemporary jewellery collection aims to build on the strengths of the historic collection. It contains the work of predominantly Irish makers at present, and includes silver earrings and amber necklace by Breon O'Casey, a perspex and silver necklace by Nuala Jamison and a glass pin by Killian Shurmann. A commissioned brooch by Grainne Morton contains references in its compartments to the Museum's collections. Other holdings include the N.I. Arts Council collection of jewellery by local makers such as Brian McClelland, Deirdre McCrory and Mike McCrory.