The Swiss Design Awards invited the mudac to show the curated exhibition “Bijoux en jeu” which comprises the two contemporary jewellery collections: the Swiss Confederation and the mudac jewellery collections, wiht more than 200 works from 37 creators.

Since the first pieces acquired during the 80s by Rosemarie Lippuner, head of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs from Lausanne, the two jewelry collections, housed at the mudac, offer a remarkable view of the developments which have affected an ever-changing discipline.

The collection field for jewelry pieces is vast, so that the criteria for their acquisition must lend them a certain coherence. Those added to our collection have been evaluated on the basis of their creativity, on how well they reflect current trends, the research aspects of innovation and continuity, and the nationality of their creator.

The Swiss Confederation’s Collection is built up especially with an eye to the winners or experts designated by the Swiss Federal Design Competition, a competition which has been encouraging young Swiss creators since 1918. The mudac’s Collection encompasses, among others, pieces created in small series, highlighting a creative process which is similar to design. Acquisitions spanning several years now ensure that the two collections are complementary. The collections reach now more than 280 objects .

The works inspired by the minimalist movements of the 70s are represented, as well as the more expressive “author’s jewelry”. Photography, videos, installations or perfor- mances are also included. In addition, pieces by today’s emerging creators have been welcomed into the collection.

The catalogue Bijoux en jeu, printed in fall 2014, and the exhibition which follows logi- cally show most of these acquisitions and therefore document these last thirty years’ Swiss contemporary jewellery.