Unusual Jewelry Show Turns Everyday Objects Into Art
A new exhibit at the Chrysler Museum invites visitors to rethink what jewelry can be. It displays more than 350 pieces that together span a century of creative work from 41 countries and 230 artists.
The Show in Four Themes
Body & Attachment
How the pieces fit on or around the body.Shape & Complexity
Simple shapes forming complex designs.Message & Meaning
Jewelry as a vehicle for communication.Playful Materials
Unexpected, whimsical materials in jewelry.
First Impressions
At the entrance guests receive a small sample from each group, illustrating how the pieces connect like stars in a sky.
- Brass & Steel Headpiece – perched on the nose, clamping a gold arc across the scalp.
- “Diamond” Necklace – painted gold sheets that challenge our sense of value and luxury.
Curator’s Favorite
A necklace made from eggshells, carbon fiber, gold, and steel forces viewers to question whether something ordinary can become beautiful or wearable. The collection also includes jewelry fashioned from wishbones, egg crates, and plastic bags—showing that even humble items can be transformed.
The Bigger Picture
The exhibition aims to show that jewelry is more than fashion; it is a medium for contemporary ideas and artistic expression. Visitors are encouraged to decide whether each piece feels practical or purely decorative, making the experience personal and thought‑provoking.
