Image: The musuem is receiving an extensive revamp

The US-based Tiffany and Co Foundation has approved funding towards the new jewellery gallery at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands - part of a wider renovation project.

A 15m (49ft)-long showcase with 300 pieces of jewellery dating back to the eight century is to feature as part of the new Tiffany and Co Foundation Gallery once complete.

The grant will also help support the conservation, research, restoration and digitisation of the Rijksmuseum's jewellery collection, which contains more than 850 items in total.

Rijksmuseum general director Wim Pijbes said: "This important gift will let our beautiful jewellery collection shine again."

Due to reopen during the first half of 2013, the art museum will have received an extensive nine-year, EUR375m (US$462m, £297m) redevelopment led by Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz.

The building first opened in July 1885, with the current scheme including the restoration of the main site to the original designs of 19th century architect Cuypers.

New structures are also being built, with France-based Jean-Michel Wilmotte appointed to furnish the Rijksmuseum's new galleries in conjunction with Cruz y Ortiz.

Once complete, around 7,500 works of art and historical items will be on show throughout the museum, which will be able to welcome up to 2 million visitors each year.

Despite ongoing renovation works to the main building, a selection of works are currently on display in the Philips Wing at the Rijksmuseum.

Details: www.rijksmuseum.nl

Image: Danbu14