In the mid-1400s, Florence was a main destination for artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and engravers. The presence of the Medici family, committed to protect artists and to commission precious objects, gathered talents from all over Italy and the rest of Europe. Their presence contributed into making Florence the most important center for art production, including jewelry.

The Medici family created workshops for artists and artisans, and commissioned a high number of pieces of art and antiquity. Some of them are now part of amazing collections. Among these, the Gems of the Medici is probably the most precious.

Some of the oldest and most unique pieces that belong to this collection are now on view at the Bowers Museum of Santa Ana (CA), documenting the sumptuous life of Florentines families and the collections owned by the dynasties that ruled Tuscany, with specific attention to the Medici and Lorraine families.

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Fonte: L'italo-Americano