Above image: Segmenti, 2012. Ring in silver, yellow gold, diamonds, South Sea pearl. Photograph courtesy of Elisabetta Cipriani – Jewellery by Contemporary Artists and the Artist.
In the Post-War and Contemporary Art auction last month at Christie’s New York, a silver necklace created by Alexander Calder, the Pennsylvania-born sculptor known for turning wire and colorful metal plates into trembling mobiles, sold for almost $270,000. An astonishing feat really given the necklace was bought for $15 by a flea market fanatic at a Brooklyn flea market eight years ago. This is not only an indication of life-changing treasures we may possibly find in flea markets but much more, it serves as a testament to the creative union and successful marrying of art and jewellery.
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“In general, it is the individual craftsman or artist, less restricted by commercial standards, who makes new contributions to the art.”
Alexander Calder
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On this page, we take a close look at the one-of-a-kind contemporary pearl jewellery masterfully created by Italian artist Giorgio Vigna.
Segmenti
2011
ring
silver, yellow gold, ruby, South Sea pearl
Gorgoglio
2009
ring
yellow gold, Tahiti pearl, South Sea pearl
Clins d’oeil
2001
rings
yellow gold, white South Sea pearl
Over at London’s Heddon Street, the gallery of Rome-born Elisabetta Cipriani is dedicated exclusively to jewellery created by artists including Vigna. She calls the jewels created wearable sculptures which reveal the most intimate level of the artist: the art in jewellery. They are addressed to the art lovers but as well as to those who simply desire to wear works of art that are extraordinary and reflective of the spirit of the times.
All photographs courtesy of Elisabetta Cipriani – Jewellery by Contemporary Artists and the Artist.
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5 Response to The “The Artist’s Pearl Jewellery”
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C’est magnifique! quelle belle histoire. Ces bijoux sont incroyables.
Thank you for this post. Wow, a 15 dollar find turning to be six figures. After reading your estate jewellery blog, it’s refreshing to read about contemporary jewelry of Mr. Vigna. I supposed it’s a matter of preference. But the idea of pearls being used in such a modern manner makes me think of contemporary art. I love the rings.Are they here in the US as well?
I am an estate pearl collector.. and totally perplexed with these contemporary pearl collection yet thrilled too to see art interpreted through pearls. Wish you explained the idea behind each piece. But lovely to see the jewelry.
Fabulous ..love the rings.. can you give idea on their prices?
I love the juxtaposition of art and pearls, so unique, and the results are magnificent. Marl, I can always rely on your website to showcase pearls in every creative form imaginable, thank you.