A HEADPIECE that would suit a Doctor Who villainess and a cutting edge necklace made out of concrete and broken glass will go on show at the official opening of Mima’s first permanent jewellery gallery.

A storeroom has been transformed to show off its prized collection, recognised as one of the most significant in the UK alongside those held by the V&A, National Museums Scotland and the Crafts Council.

Out of more than 200 precious pieces worth over £200,000, a select 100 will go on display at any one time dating from the 1970s to 2014.

Most were inherited by Mima when it opened in 2007 from the town's Middlesbrough Art Gallery, Cleveland Art Gallery and Cleveland Craft Centre.

Its core range is made up of pieces from England, Germany and the Netherlands, created during a period of cultural and political flux.

The most expensive accessory on display will be a bracelet valued at £37,000 by Giovanni Corvaja made in 1999 of gold and niello, which is a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal.

Alistair Hudson who has been appointed new director at Mima said his aim for the future was to make the gallery connect more with the region and its inhabitants.

“It should have a role in society, not just as a visitor attraction but it should provide an educational and a civic function in the region as well,” he said.

“People get jewellery, it’s in everybody's lives from looking in the window at Tiffany’s to deciding what wear on a Saturday night,” he said. “Art should not be a rarefied thing that’s just in a box.”

As part of the vision to engage with locals, Gemma Draper, lecturer in jewellery at Teesside University and jewellery in residence at Mima is leading projects to get people to share their expertise, skills and passion for decorative adornment.

“This is a really relevant collection that was spending its days hidden in boxes. We want to make it a public collection, it’s owned by the people of Middlesbrough,” she added.

Visitors to the new gallery, which is unveiled to the public over the weekend of Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, can really relate to the by walking away with their own jewellery on sale in the gift shop.

Cult British brand, Tatty Devine, is among those available to buy, it has also donated 15 pieces including brooches, bracelets and necklaces to the exhibition representing every year of its his history.