Curator of Jewelry

Yvonne Markowitz, announced today as the first jewelry curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, was kind enough to take a few questions from us.

Do you wear a lot of jewelry?
It depends upon the occasion. For festive events, I usually dress-up and wear several items; at work, a watch, occasional bracelet, brooch, or neck ornament; none when I’m gardening!

If you're married, how many karat diamond ring?
Yes, I am married. Although I own a diamond ring (my engagement ring), I rarely wear it. Years ago, for our anniversary, my husband purchased a small ancient Roman cameo featuring clasped hands and a Greek inscription invoking the goddess of contentment. It was once in a betrothal ring. I designed a gold mount for it and it is the ring I typically wear on the 4th finger of my left hand.

What's your favorite personal piece?
There’s probably not a single piece. Runners-up include an ivory and gold brooch my husband gave me upon the birth of our first child; the silver “Stars Wars” necklace by Finnish sculptor and metalsmith Borg Weckstrom; and a cloisonné, enameled landscape pendant by enamelist/jeweler Toni Strassler.

What's your favorite piece at the MFA?
It’s an ancient Nubian jewel excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Expedition in the early decades of the 20th century. Entitled Hathor-headed crystal pendant, it is made of gold and rock crystal. It features a hollowed-out rock crystal orb surmounted by the golden head of the goddess Hathor who wears a cow-horn and sun-disk headdress. The hollow orb is lined with a gold cylinder that represents an amulet case.

Do people ever do a double take when they hear you're a curator of jewelry?
Since the curatorship has just been created, it’s difficult to predict how people will respond. I do know that the MFA is and will continue to be a leader in redefining “fine art,” emphasizing craftsmanship, design, and cultural context.

Should I wear gold chains?
The wearing of jewelry is a personal preference. There are no “shoulds” or “should nots.”