Days of sparkling talks, shopping.

Jewelry lovers might want to make time this weekend to visit the University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

As part of the 127-year-old museum's fund-raising efforts, it's hosting "Treasures," a four-day baublefest starting Thursday that features a private reception, talks with jewelry historians, and fall fashion advice from local stylists.

In addition, 26 jewelry designers will be selling handmade, one-of-a-kind accessories to shoppers with a sweet spot for frippery. (Now might be a good time to get some early Christmas shopping done.)

"Our goal this weekend is two-part: to raise money and to get people into the museum," explained DruEllen Kolker, cochair of the "Treasures" event, organized by the museum's women's committee.

"This is something you can bring the whole family to. "

The Penn Museum, a 300,000-square-foot space with 12 galleries and nine signature exhibitions, focuses on ancient artifacts - sarcophagi, artwork, tools, and sculpture from Egyptian, Central American, and Asian cultures - organized in a way that tells the story of human civilization.

Of the roughly one million objects in the museum's collection, there's the full headdress and jewelry found in Iraqi queen Lady Puabi's tomb, circa 2650 B.C. A tour of this gallery is a part of the "Treasures" weekend's featured events.

On Friday, Leslie Prouty, Sotheby's senior vice president of contemporary art, will lecture about Alexander Calder, Philadelphia's turn-of-the-century sculptor and avant-garde jewelry designer. Last November, Sotheby's sold the bulk of the Calder collection of the late Hope Makler, owner of the Makler Gallery.

"It's a very interesting and untold story on Philadelphia's fashion history," Kolker said.

Other highlights include a Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday with live music and dancing that will teach people about Mexican culture.

On Sunday, fashionistas can enjoy chitchat on current jewelry and accessories trends with Linda Amorosia, personal stylist at Nordstrom in King of Prussia mall.

The Women's Committee initially started the then-antiques-focused "Treasures" weekend in 2005 to raise money for museum upkeep and the museum's education initiatives with Philadelphia schoolchildren.

But when coveted jeweler Tiffany's came aboard in 2012, the theme shifted to jewelry. Since then, organizers have raised close to half a million dollars. This year's goal is $100,000.

Treasures

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South St.

Admission: $15; other events may be extra.

Information: 215-898-4000 or www.wcpennmuseum.com

215-854-2704

@ewellingtonphl