Jewels

A luminous homage to the beauty and diversity of classical ballet, Jewels is George Balanchine’s shimmering triptych inspired by the brilliance of precious gemstones. Each act—Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds—evokes its own distinct world, defined by mood, music, and movement. Emeralds, set to the lush romanticism of Gabriel Fauré, is mysterious and wistful, conjuring a sense of elegance and longing. Rubies, powered by the jazzy rhythms of Igor Stravinsky, bursts with wit and energy—a playful, modern twist full of bold lines and syncopated flair. Diamonds, with the grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s sweeping score, pays tribute to the majesty of Imperial Russian ballet, offering a vision of classical beauty in its most regal form.

Though plotless, Jewels draws emotional resonance through contrast and cohesion, celebrating ballet as both a refined art form and a vehicle for vibrant expression. The work’s striking visual palette and musical diversity reflect Balanchine’s cosmopolitan artistry—his ability to translate music into movement with unmatched precision and imagination. Together, these three acts form a complete experience: timeless, brilliant, and uniquely Balanchine.

Miami City Ballet's original production of the full-length Jewels was underwritten by Texaco.

Special thanks to Ophelia and Juan Js. Roca, who underwrote the original and newly refurbished Tony Walton sets for Jewels.