SANTA ANA, CA.- Gems of the Medici, an acclaimed international exhibition, highlights some of the oldest and most unique pieces of the Medici collections including antiquities dating from the 1st Century BCE as well as a cornelian which was part of the Seal of Nero. This touring exhibition will transport visitors to 15th century Italy and beyond by experiencing the captivating world of one of history’s most intriguing families. Comprised of 100 objects on loan from distinguished institutions in Florence, Italy, Gems of the Medici features precious gems, carvings, sculptures, and other works of fine art from the extensive collection of the Medici family.

In the mid-1400s, many celebrated artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and engravers were attracted by the abundance of wealth in the city of Florence, but the most important factor in this gathering of talent was the presence of the Medici family. For almost three hundred years, generation after generation of Medici dominated city affairs and steered the course of art history.

It was the Medici family who funded the workshops of these artists and artisans, who commissioned and collected the masterpieces of art and antiquity. This ceaseless collecting ultimately resulted in their collection becoming a source of study for scholars and an important historical record of the developments in the creation of gems and various types of jewelry. From founding father to the last Grand Duke, the immense power and wealth of this great dynasty was invested in its legendary collections, of which the collection renowned as the Gems of the Medici is perhaps the finest in the world.

Gems of the Medici is an international exhibition in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This specially-ticketed exhibition is organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Florence, Italy in collaboration with Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Firenze.