THEN & NOW Collection and Talks: Jewels by Rebecca Rau

Designer Rebecca Rau grew up surrounded by extraordinary masterpieces in her family’s storied gallery, M.S. Rau. Today, she is celebrated for bridging the worlds of ancient art and contemporary jewelry design through her THEN & NOW collection. Each one-of-a-kind jewel incorporates an authentic historical artifact dating from circa 1500 BCE to 1600 CE, pairing ancient treasures with vivid gemstones, luminous pearls and precious metals. The result is a remarkable fusion of past and present that preserves the spirit of the original object while transforming it into a striking expression of modern elegance.

Incorporating rare artifacts ranging from Egyptian faience and Byzantine gold to medieval metalwork and other ancient materials, Rebecca creates contemporary amulets that celebrate millennia of craftsmanship and adornment. Shaped by a lifetime immersed in exceptional art and jewelry and refined through her studies at Sotheby’s Institute London, she brings a deeply informed yet creative perspective to design. The collection offers an opportunity to experience history not behind glass, but as living beauty meant to be worn.

Join M.S. Rau for Daily Designer Talks with Rebecca Rau at 11am & 2pm Thursday through Saturday & at 2pm on Sunday.

Presented twice daily, these intimate 10–15 minute talks offer a closer look into Rebecca Rau’s distinctive approach to jewelry design, where authentic ancient artifacts are transformed into contemporary wearable art. Drawing from centuries of craftsmanship and adornment, Rebecca will share the stories, symbolism and historical significance behind select jewels from her Then & Now collection.

From Egyptian faience and Byzantine gold to medieval fragments reborn through modern craftsmanship, each jewel reflects a dialogue between past and present. Guests will gain insight into Rebecca’s creative process, her background as a fourth-generation antiquaire and the enduring fascination of objects that carry history across millennia.