Rebecca Rau, a fourth-generation antiquarian, is making a significant entry into the world of contemporary jewelry design with her 'Then & Now' collection, which will be unveiled at the upcoming NYC Jewelry Week. This collection distinguishes itself by integrating historical artifacts, such as ancient amulets, Gothic pendants, and Victorian-era chains, into modern jewelry pieces. Rau challenges the conventional notion of preserving such items behind glass or in safes, advocating for their everyday wear as a testament to their enduring history and our personal narratives.

Rau's philosophy behind 'Then & Now' encourages individuals to embrace and display these unique pieces in their daily lives, transforming them from mere relics into wearable art. The collection features remarkable fusions, such as a Phoenician pendant from 400–600 B.C., an Anglo-Saxon fitting over 1,500 years old, and a 19th-century Italian micromosaic, all reimagined with contemporary gemstones and precious metals. Notable creations include 'Reimagined Jasper,' a Renaissance-inspired necklace showcasing a 1st or 2nd-century brown jasper fragment accented with orange zircons, Umbalite garnets, and Tahitian pearls, and 'Glowing Glass,' which repurposes a 14th-century glass and high-karat gold pendant with a modern paper-clip chain.

The collection's debut will include an exclusive evening reception and a guided tour, where Rau will share insights into the historical background and artistic transformation of each piece. Her unique approach, rooted in her extensive travels and experience with M.S. Rau, aims to create jewelry that speaks across different eras, celebrating the imperfections and human touch embedded in historical objects. By merging ancient craftsmanship with modern design, Rau's 'Then & Now' collection invites a fresh perspective on how we interact with and appreciate jewelry, making a bold statement about personal style and historical continuity.

Embracing history and weaving it into our contemporary lives through art and design allows us to celebrate the journey of human creativity and resilience. Each piece, with its unique past, serves as a reminder that beauty endures, transforms, and finds new meaning in the present, encouraging us to live fully and express ourselves boldly.