Not all art is jewelry, but all jewelry is art; certain jewelry, however, is more “art” than others. Some wearable designs put emphasis on the art first, jewelry second. International auction house Bonhams is hosting such pieces, by artists including Georg Jensen, William Spratling, Peter Macchiarini, and others, in its third annual Artist Jewelry online sale.
“Artist Jewelry highlights the most stylish pieces from leading artists from the postwar era,” said Emily Waterfall, Bonhams’ Los Angeles–based director of the jewelry department, in a statement. “The pieces in the sale are designs that are truly works of wearable art, fusing the connection between jewelry, modern art, and sculpture.”
Leading the sale in value is an 18k yellow gold and turquoise necklace featuring various emblematic charms by Arnaldo Pomodoro, an Italian sculptor known for large-scale installations.
Another notable piece is a signed pendant necklace, portraying three surrealist faces, created by avant-garde French novelist and playwright Jean Cocteau (who was also a visual artist) early in the Dadaist movement.
A brass cuff and belt buckle set by renowned American artist Ted Muehling, whose work often involves organic shapes and forms found in nature, is one of the 200-plus distinctive pieces in the Bonhams auction.
Top: Pal Kepenyes collar in mixed metal, estimate $600-$800 (photos courtesy of Bonhams)
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