Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Collection Inspires Jewelry Offered on QVC

An assortment of pieces of jewelry, including rings, pendants, pins, earrings and bracelets, inspired by objects in the National Museum of the American Indian’s world-class collection will be shown on QVC Tuesday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. (EDT).

QVC host Jane Treacy will be joined on the two-hour live show by guest Brenda Toineeta Pipestem (Eastern Band of Cherokee), who is member of the museum’s National Council. The museum’s vast collection consists of more than 800,000 items that span the Western Hemisphere and more than 10,000 years of history. All of the pieces are based on historical designs and design elements associated with specific items in the collection. Prices range from $35 to $375.

Pieces include an exquisite and delicate pair of silver chandelier earrings based on a metal bell from the Vicús culture of northwestern Peru and dating from about 200 B.C. to A.D. 600. A substantial silver cuff bracelet with a turquoise stone was inspired by a Navajo piece that was created around 1950; the object is an example of the sand-cast technique of creating a mold and filling with the molten metal. A Mayan ceramic stamp made between 2000 B.C. and A.D. 900 and excavated in Joachín in the Mexican state of Veracruz and used to decorate cloth, paper and even skin is reflected in a dazzling silver and brass hand-print pin. A trio of items, a ring, pendant and bracelet, based on a cuff bracelet designed by artist and former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne), have precious metals and stones along with iconic motifs of horses, buffalo and tipis to depict Plains culture. Campbell is scheduled to appear on the show to talk about his artistry and jewelry design.

Additional information about the museum’s collection and facilities, along with extended footage featuring behind-the-scenes with curator Ann McMullen and the history of featured items, will be available online at www.QVC.com.

About the National Museum of the American Indian

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian is the first national museum dedicated to the preservation, study and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history and arts of the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Established by an act of Congress in 1989, the museum works in collaboration with the Native peoples and communities to protect and foster their cultures by reaffirming traditions and beliefs, encouraging contemporary artistic expression and empowering the Native voice.
www.AmericanIndian.si.edu

About QVC Inc.

QVC Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corp. attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group, is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to more than 180 million homes worldwide. The company’s website, www.QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. QVC is based in West Chester, Pa., with operations in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, and launching in Italy this year. QVC, Q and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks Inc.

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