The Rachel Lambert Mellon Collection of Jean Schlumberger debuts February 10 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), showcasing over 140 unique works that span jewel-laden cigarette cases and pill boxes to brooches, necklaces and bracelets. With Mellon’s gift, the museum now estimates that it has the largest and most comprehensive public collection of jewelry and art objects by Schlumberger in the world.

The VMFA wrote, “Artist-jeweler Jean Schlumberger transformed Twentieth Century fashion with his sculptural designs for vibrant and whimsical jewelry and accessories inspired by nature. From crafting costume jewelry for designer Elsa Schiaparelli in 1930s Paris to heading his own private salon at Tiffany & Co in New York. Beginning in the 1950s, Schlumberger was known for inventive interpretations of animal and botanical subjects and iconic pieces that came to define mid-century chic.”

The exhibition runs through June 18. For more information, www.vmfa.museum.