Golden jewellery on loan from the National Gallery of Australia

The 12 gold jewellery items on display are on long term loan from the National Gallery of Australia with support from the Australian Government as part of Sharing the National Collection.

The provenance of the twelve golden treasures on display relate to Maryborough and surrounds. Nine of the artworks date from the mid-19th century goldrush in Central Victoria and are known as goldfields jewellery. Including earrings, brooches and a locket , these items of jewellery were commissioned by miners, as a mark of their own success and to reflect colonial pride and advancement.

Also on display is a necklace and two rings by Rowena Gough. Gough was born in Maryborough in 1958 and is one of the most accomplished contemporary jewellers in Australia.

A changing exhibition of associated displays and public programs accompanies The Art of Gold providing the opportunity to explore the multiple stories of gold from a variety of perspectives.

unknown silversmith, Locket, c.1860, Australia, gold: engraved, gold‑bearing quartz nuggets, printed paper. National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra