Exhibition puts stage jewelry in the spotlight

"We realized how precious the jewelry is, even though the materials are non-precious. The techniques used, the beauty of the pieces, and their historical value are relevant and important," she says. "On close observation, their designs are impressive. Some of them were inspired by high-end jewelry."

The organizations then decided to hold an exhibition and compile a book after the restoration, conservation, and research of the jewelry collection was complete.

The exhibition enables visitors to discover the fascinating destinies of prominent figures from the French stage: Talma's gilt-metal laurel crown donated by Napoleon, Rachel's jeweled tiaras, the tunic worn by Mounet-Sully in Racine's Athalie, and Sarah Bernhardt's brooch made by Rene Lalique.

It also consists of costumes borrowed from the French National Center for Theatrical Costume and Design.