The first exhibition to feature at the Harry Oppenheimer Israel Diamond Museum, after its recent renovation, will be an exhibition of rare and ancient jewellery excavated in archeological sites throughout Israel, and will be entitled ‘Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver’. The museum, located within the Israeli Diamond Industry complex, was renovated and given the appeal of the most modern diamond museum in the world today. %% The rare jewels’ exhibition will be held on September 12, 2008. Amongst the display would be gold jewellery, most of it dating back to Biblical times and earlier. The jewels, some of which are set with precious stones, exemplify the lifestyle and culture of the ancient Israelites, and attest to the Land of Israel's unique position as a cultural and commercial crossroad of the ancient world. The exhibition narrates the creation of ancient Israeli jewellery – the methods, the craftsmen, influences of other ancient civilizations and the role of jewellery in religion and culture of the times. Over 100 pieces from the huge collections of the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Hecht Museum were individually chosen by curator Yehuda Kassif to explain this subject. %% Eli Avidar, Managing Director of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies as well as the Israel Diamond Museum, said "This exhibition is The Israeli Diamond Industry's tribute to the ancient jewelry tradition of the Land of Israel. It is a fitting way to connect our past and present, especially during Israel's 60th anniversary." "Our ancient roots include a rich jewellery-making tradition. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to explore this tradition, which forms the basis for our contemporary jewellery creations," he added. %% The exhibition brings us back to the days of the Bible, when golden balls used in intricate jewelry designs were known as "apples". The exhibition takes its name from the Book of Proverbs, chapter 25, verse 11: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Shmuel Schnitzer, Chairman of the Israel Diamond Museum, said: "This exhibition, with its journey through the corridors of time…is another jewel in the crown of the renovated museum that serves as the showcase of the international world of diamonds – a world in which the Israeli industry plays such a central role." The Harry Oppenheimer Israel Diamond Museum houses a permanent display to showcase the fascinating journey of the diamond from the depths of the earth to a finished jewel, and changing exhibitions featuring jewellery from around the world. All of the items at the exhibition to be held, have been lent to the Diamond Museum courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Many of the pieces on display seem to have been created today -- and might appear in the collections of leading contemporary jewelry designers.