Goldsmith Recreates Centuries-Old Jewelry Designs for Frick Collection

Donna Distefano uses ancient metalsmithing techniques to craft replica jewelry inspired by portraits at the Frick museum.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:19pm

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The Frick Collection in New York City has partnered with goldsmith Donna Distefano to create a collection of replica jewelry inspired by portraits in the museum's collection. Distefano, a classically trained goldsmith, uses ancient metalsmithing techniques to handcraft each piece, including alloying her own 22-karat gold and employing methods dating back to the Etruscans. The resulting "Off the Canvas" collection features necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings that look nearly identical to the jewelry depicted in paintings by artists like Anthony van Dyck and Hans Holbein the Younger.

Why it matters

The Frick's partnership with Distefano allows visitors to engage with the museum's collection in a unique, hands-on way, bringing the historical jewelry depicted in the portraits to life. Distefano's commitment to preserving ancient metalsmithing techniques also helps to maintain a connection to the past and highlights the artistry and craftsmanship of centuries-old jewelry making.

The details

Distefano starts by creating her own 22-karat gold alloy, mixing pure 24-karat gold with small amounts of silver and copper to achieve specific shades. She then rolls the gold into sheets and wires, using them to handcraft each piece of jewelry, looping links by hand and setting precious and semi-precious stones. The resulting collection includes 26 pieces, ranging from $150 sterling silver earring jackets to a $150,000 22-karat gold chain inspired by the "Genoese Noblewoman" portrait.

  • The Frick Collection reopened in 2025 after a five-year restoration.
  • Donna Distefano has been creating the "Off the Canvas" jewelry collection for the Frick since the museum's reopening.

The players

Donna Distefano

A 63-year-old goldsmith who uses ancient metalsmithing techniques to create replica jewelry inspired by portraits at the Frick museum.

Kate Gerlough

The associate director of retail and product development at the Frick Collection, who was inspired to bring Distefano's "Off the Canvas" collection to the museum.

Frick Collection

A renowned art museum in New York City that recently reopened after a five-year restoration and now features Distefano's handcrafted jewelry collection inspired by its portrait collection.

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What they’re saying

“I work as a classical goldsmith, preserving ancient metalsmithing techniques.”

— Donna Distefano, Goldsmith

“I was thrilled. It was love at first sight.”

— Kate Gerlough, Associate Director of Retail and Product Development, Frick Collection

What’s next

The Frick Collection plans to continue featuring Donna Distefano's "Off the Canvas" jewelry collection, which will likely expand with new pieces inspired by additional paintings in the museum's holdings.

The takeaway

Donna Distefano's work for the Frick Collection demonstrates how museums can engage visitors in unique, hands-on ways by partnering with skilled artisans to bring historical artifacts and artwork to life through the recreation of period-accurate craftsmanship.