Unique Gifts for Her
Joining The Met Store’s expanding lineup of demi-fine jewelry are three collections inspired by objects in the Museum’s holdings of medieval, Asian, and Islamic art. We’re delighted to present this new trio of vermeil, gold-plated sterling silver, and sterling silver designs that artfully reimagine Met treasures for the modern day.
Medieval Belt Buckle Jewelry
A medieval rock-crystal belt buckle is transformed into sleek gold-plated sterling silver jewelry with rock crystal and sapphire accents.
The original buckle is East German, made around the year 500 CE, while the gold-foil tongue is a Byzantine addition thought to be from around 500–600 CE. This striking ensemble exhibits the harmony between the Germanic and Byzantine styles.
This vaguely heart-shaped design makes our jewelry the perfect Valentine's Day gift.
Deccan Shell Jewelry
This eye-catching vermeil collection borrows the shell motif on a fabulous 17th-century locket pendant attributed to the Deccan region of India.
The cap on the original pendant portrays a makara, a fantastical aquatic beast from Hindu mythology, with two turquoise eyes and a red stone at the center of its head. The two birds flanking the makara recall those found on other examples of Deccani jewelry, especially rings; while the pierced filigree work, portraying flowers and leaves on climbing vines, is loosely related to motifs on local textiles and illuminated manuscripts. The lively, curving lines of the flowers are particularly Deccani in spirit.
This richly decorative cap, however, isn’t merely ornamental—it unscrews so that the hinged pendant opens up. Traces of a red residue inside the Museum’s pendant suggest that it may have served as a pomander, a type of functional adornment packed with spices and perfumes that would unfurl through the pierced openings in the shell. A subtle whiff of these aromatics provided relief in offensively scented environments.
Han Horse Necklace
Embrace the prosperous Year of the Horse with this timeless sterling silver pendant necklace.
Presented in celebration of the 2026 Lunar New Year, our elegant adornment pays tribute to a noble Han dynasty–era bronze horse (206 BCE–220 CE) in The Met collection. Horses—particularly the so-called Bactrian horses from western Asia—captured the imaginations of the Han-dynasty emperor and his court, who referred to the captivating creatures as “heavenly horses.” These "heavenly horses" were associated with the magic and majesty of dragons, and were believed to transport the souls of the dead to the next world.
Art Jewelry Inspired by The Met Collection
Shop our new demi-fine designs alongside our full range of art-inspired jewelry online and in-store at The Met Fifth Avenue.
