Brisbane’s Margot McKinney is unlocking her archives and revealing the family story behind her brand for an exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane.

Showcasing the timeless elegance and some of the world’s rarest gems, World of Wonder: Margot McKinney will feature four areas of focus: Family History, World of Pearls, World of Opals and World of Colour.

For five generations, the McKinney family name has been synonymous with luxury jewels.

Margot has elevated the family name through her own jewellery brand and flagship store in Brisbane and internationally through the prestigious Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores in the USA.

MoB Director Renai Grace said the partnership between Museum of Brisbane and Margot McKinney was a rare opportunity to showcase a collection Margaret’s creations.

“World of Wonder: Margot McKinney will blend never-before-seen, intimate family archives with opulence in a multi-faceted exhibition of breathtaking proportions,” Ms Grace said.

Margot has worked with leading pearl farmers, opal minders, diamond merchants and gem-cutters from across the globe to secure the rare and precious materials that have been the centrepiece of her designs, making her one-of-a-kind pieces so coveted among her international clients.

Margot said the exhibition would share many stories that have contributed to the family business over its 138-year history.

“I am deeply honoured for my work and the history of our family business to be the subject of the Museum of Brisbane’s World of Wonder: Margot McKinney exhibition in 2022,” Margot said.

“The exhibition will show the rich tapestry of our 5th generation family business over our long history.”

World of Wonder: Margot McKinney opens at the Museum of Brisbane on 18 June.