Britt’s Pick: Elaine Chong’s Moving Eye Pendant

By Brittany Siminitz | September 16, 2025

A piece of jewelry has the power to transfix an onlooker, especially when kinetic elements are involved. If you don’t find yourself lost in the eye (actually, eyes) of Elaine Chong’s rich, round gold pendant, its roving center pupil might capture you.

“As both a painter and a jeweler, I’m drawn to how emotion and story can be expressed through form,” the New Jersey–based designer tells JCK. “The subtle movement of the eye is created by encasing a round gemstone sphere between two gold domes, a design that only comes to life when worn or touched.

“I love that the movement is intimate and responsive, echoing the personal connection we form with jewelry. The enamel detailing on the face of the eye is adapted from one of my paintings, bringing my two practices together in a single, wearable piece.”

A labradorite plays the part of the moving eye, surrounded by a gathering of evil eyes, a motif that possesses meaning worldwide. In jewelry, the evil eye is not tied to any particular cultural tradition—it’s a universal symbol of protection, an amulet to be worn, loved, and seen.

“The eye holds deep personal and symbolic meaning for me,” Chong says. “As a visual artist, I’m constantly inspired by what we see, not just with our eyes but with our intuition and emotional perception. The eye represents awareness, reflection, and connection. It’s a symbol of how we relate to the world around us and to each other. By including the inscription ‘I see you in me’ on the back, I wanted to speak to the idea that we carry pieces of one another.”

That inscription on the back, like a secret only the wearer knows, makes the design feel personal, a quality consumers are surely looking for as they decide where and how to spend their money.

“With rising gold prices, I’ve found that consumers are becoming more intentional, seeking pieces that offer both emotional meaning and lasting value,” Chong says. “It’s encouraging to see people investing in jewelry they truly connect with, knowing it will also hold its worth over time. As artists, this moment also challenges us to flex our creative muscles and explore new materials that align with our vision and values.”

This pendant is available with other stones as the center eye. Chong also offers a number of different kinetic jewelry pieces, along with artwork, on her brand’s website.

Top: Moving eye pendant in 14k yellow gold with enamel and labradorite, $4,650; Elaine Chong Designs