A rare exhibition of jewelry designed by some of the world’s most famous artists is now open to the public at the Norton Museum of Art in Florida. Titled “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection,” the show brings together over 150 unique pieces of wearable art from the private collection of French curator and collector Diane Venet.
The exhibition presents a fresh perspective on well-known artists by showcasing their work in jewelry form. Among the pieces are symbolic charms by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, playful headpieces by Claude Lalanne and Man Ray, surreal brooches by Salvador Dalí and Dorothea Tanning, and modernist designs by Louise Nevelson and Arnaldo Pomodoro.
While some featured artists, like Alexander Calder, had a deep connection to jewelry-making, others, such as Frank Stella, created just a few pieces. Each item in the collection highlights how artists brought their unique styles into a more intimate and personal medium.
The materials used range from hammered metals and fine gemstones—including rubies and diamonds—to found objects, wire, plastic, and other unconventional materials. Each piece reflects stories of creativity, friendship, and personal identity, according to the museum.
Alongside the jewelry are nearly 60 companion artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and works on paper from the Norton’s permanent collection. These are displayed to create a visual conversation between the jewelry and the artists’ broader practices.
“This show illustrates how these artists tackled the creative challenge of transforming their ideas into smaller, wearable pieces,” said Diane Venet. “It’s about translating large-scale artistic vision into something intimate.”
Ghislain d’Humières, director and CEO of the Norton Museum’s Kenneth C. Griffin wing, praised the collection’s depth. “Diane Venet’s collection is unmatched. These necklaces, rings, earrings, and brooches show fine details and surprising materials crafted by some of the greatest artists of our time,” he said. “This exhibition gives visitors a unique chance to view these artists’ works in a completely different light.”
Highlights of the collection include a chunky gold ring designed by Yoko Ono, shaped like a vinyl record and engraved with “Imagine Peace” in memory of John Lennon. Another standout is a bright enamel necklace titled “Tête de poète” by Meret Oppenheim—one of only nine ever made.
According to the museum, the show spans a wide range of styles and movements: surrealist, avant-garde, minimalist, kinetic, and more. Some pieces were commercial productions, while others are one-of-a-kind.
Many works were gifts from Venet’s friends and collaborators, often artists she met through her work in the art world. Born in Paris to a family of art collectors, Venet started her career in media before marrying French artist Bernar Venet. Through her travels and work organizing exhibitions, she developed personal relationships with major figures like Stella and Robert Rauschenberg, both of whom contributed to her jewelry collection.
“This collection is the story of my friendships in the art world over the last forty years,” said Venet. “Because I’ve moved often, this jewelry has become a kind of personal museum I can carry with me. I’m honored to share it with a wider audience at the Norton.”
Among the highlights is “Optic Topic” (1974) by Man Ray. The 18-centimeter-wide gold mask, which Venet gave as a gift to her husband, is modeled after a driving mask and features insect-like indentations around the eyes.
J. Rachel Gustafson, the museum’s chief curatorial operations and research officer, said the exhibition explores the relationship between craft and fine art—two fields that rarely meet in the same space. “From ancient times to today, people have worn precious jewelry to express status and individuality,” she said. “This show connects that tradition with fine art in a meaningful way.”
In a unique interactive feature, visitors can “try on” selected pieces using digital technology. The show also includes an original sound-based artwork by Sheila Concari. Her composition, which blends spoken word and digital sound effects, was specially created to enhance the experience of viewing the jewelry.
Venet has invited new artists to contribute pieces in each version of the exhibition. Concari’s audio installation continues that tradition, offering a multisensory dimension to the display.
“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop” is now open to the public at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, offering visitors a rare look at the intersection of fine art and personal adornment.
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