Andy Warhol’s Gems 186 is one of four screen prints in his Gems portfolio. The portfolio contains four images of precious gemstones including rubies and emeralds. As Warhol frequently wore exquisite jewelry by Cartier and Harry Winston, this series reflects his fascination with fine jewelry.

Warhol’s appreciation of glitz and glamour is also visible in other works he completed in the late 70s and early 80s. In addition to the Gems portfolio, Warhol’s 1979 After the Party and his 1980 Shoes series both illustrate the elegance of the world that he and his friends occupied. At The Factory, socialites and celebrities often gathered for outrageous parties. Expensive clothing and jewelry abounded at these functions in dazzling displays of wealth and status.