Events & Awards

Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025

Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
A new exhibition at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida, offers a look at more than 150 pieces of artist-designed jewelry.
West Palm Beach, Fla.—A new exhibition featuring jewelry designed by some of the most famous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries is now open at an art museum in West Palm Beach, Florida.

On display at the Norton Museum of Art, “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection,” organized in partnership with guest curator Diane Venet, comprises more than 150 pieces of artist-designed jewelry from the personal collection of the internationally recognized collector. 

Le Grand Faune, 1973 by Pablo Picasso
“Le Grand Faune,” 1973, by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) is a 23-karat gold pendant. Edition 3 of 20. © 2025 Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York Photo: Sherry Griffin


The exhibition features works by familiar artists in a new context, including emblematic charms by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, whimsical headpieces by Claude Lalanne and Man Ray, surreal brooches by Dorothea Tanning and Salvador Dalí, and abstract pieces by Louise Nevelson and Arnaldo Pomodoro. 

Some artists featured, like Alexander Calder, were prolific jewelry artisans, the museum notes, while other artists, such as Frank Stella, produced one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces.

On display are pieces made from hammered metals and precious stones like rubies and diamonds, as well as jewelry made with precise wiring techniques, found objects, and pieces of metal, plastic, and other unconventional materials. 

Jean Cocteau Madame, 1960s
“Madame,” 1960s, is a pendant with gold, rubies, and diamonds, made by Jean Cocteau (1889-1963). Edition 18 of 50 © ARS / Comité Cocteau, Paris / ADAGP, Paris 2024. Photo: Greg Favre
 
Each piece tells a story of friendship, creative risk, and personal identity, said the museum. 

Displayed with the jewelry are approximately sixty companion works, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and photographs from the museum’s permanent collection by many of the same artists.  

This curation was meant to establish a visual dialogue between the works and articulate the artists’ technical range and varying sources of inspiration, the museum said. 

Venet said she appreciates the way the exhibition exemplifies the artists’ creative challenges when translating their craft from large displays to something much smaller, that is wearable and deeply personal. 

“Diane Venet’s collection is second to none. The necklaces, rings, brooches, earrings, headpieces, and more that she has collected feature incredible details rendered in interesting materials by some of the most famous artists of our time,” said Ghislain d’Humières, director and CEO of the museum’s Kenneth C. Griffin wing.  

“Displayed alongside paintings and sculptures by many of the same artists from the Norton’s Collection, Artists’ Jewelry is an unmissable opportunity to broaden museumgoers’ understanding of their favorite artists’ oeuvres through these miniature works of art.” 

The breadth of Venet’s collection is apparent in the exhibition, which features pieces ranging from a chunky gold ring designed by Yoko Ono resembling a vinyl record with “Imagine Peace” engraved on it as a nod to her late husband John Lennon to a gold and colorful enamel geometric necklace by Meret Oppenheim, one of nine produced, titled “Tête de poète.”  

“Modern and contemporary, surrealist and avant-garde, minimalist and kinetic, commercially produced and one-of-a-kind: Venet’s collection has them all,” said the museum. 

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
Many of the works on display were gifts from Venet’s close friends and collaborators, as well as artists she knew personally and persuaded to expand into new mediums. 

Born in Paris to a family of art collectors, she followed in their footsteps, following a career as a radio and television host.

She married French artist Bernar Venet and assisted in organizing exhibitions globally, where she met notable creatives, like Stella and Robert Rauschenberg, both of whom gifted her jewelry.

Frank Stella steel necklace
“Untitled,” 2009, is a necklace by Frank Stella made in steel with gold paint. © 2025 Frank Stella / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: Sherry Griffin


“The story of this collection is largely that of my friendships in the art world over the past forty years,” said Venet. 

“In my rather itinerant life, this collection of jewelry is thus an intimate museum that I can take everywhere with me and the treasure trove which I can find on my return home. I am so honored that the Norton Museum has invited me to share these special pieces with a larger public.”

One highlight of the show is Man Ray’s “Optic Topic”, 1974, which Venet purchased as a gift for her husband.

The 18-centimeter-wide gold mask, modeled after a driving mask, features insect-like indentations over each eye. 

Man Ray Optic Topic 1974
“Optic Topic,” 1974, by Man Ray (1890–1976) Edition 79 of 100 © Man Ray 2015 Trust / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY / ADAGP, Paris 2024. Photo: Alain Leprince


“Since the beginning of humanity, individuals have adorned themselves with fine metals and precious stones – as modes of class distinction and personal expression,” said J. Rachel Gustafson, chief curatorial operations and research officer at the Norton. 

“This exhibition bridges the gap between craft and fine art, two creative forms that seldom intersect or are interpreted within one exhibition.”

Jeff Koons rabbit necklace
“Rabbit Necklace,” 2005–2009, a platinum pendant by American artist Jeff Koons. Edition 11 of 50. © Jeff Koons Photo: Sherry Griffin


Visitors may also “try on” select pieces, a feature the museum said places the viewer into the collection.

It will also feature a special sound-based artwork created and produced by performer and auditory Sheila Concari whose compositions focus on interactions between the human voice and new technologies.

In each iteration of the exhibition, Venet invited a select few artists to make new works to join the collection and the exhibition.

Concari’s piece for this exhibition utilizes spoken word techniques and unique sound treatments designed to engage visitors and complement the show’s visual displays.

The exhibition opened in April and is on view through Oct. 5. 

It was curated by Venet, with Norton Museum of Art Chief Curatorial Operations and Research Officer J. Rachel Gustafson and Curatorial Research Associate Sarah Bass.

More information is available on the Norton Museum of Art’s website

The Latest

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer said its stores will remain open during the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Omar Roy mugshot
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami Jeweler

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

Mignon Faget Beyond Katrina Pendant and Beyond Katrina Pin
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of Coverage

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

Marlo Laz peridot and diamond Alexandra earrings
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright Baubles

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Surveillance image of Watch King robbery suspect
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in Queens

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities Manager

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

Signet Jewelers logo
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet Jewelers

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

Mike Alexander
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

 Gemfields rough rubies
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

Hernsdorf Tears of Aphrodite Necklace
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ Necklace

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

Stock image of a polished diamonds being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Lindsey Scoggins Studio convertible flower earrings
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award Winners

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

Matthew Tratner, new president of Continental Buying Group
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

Stock image of rough diamonds from the Kimberley mine
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Pomellato Mini London blue topaz and diamond bracelet
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%

The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.

Zadok Rolex Austin
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in Austin

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Crowd of people in a shopping mall
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Making a Killing in Diamonds by Rob Bates
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Tacori bezel-set diamond bands
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LA

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

Mighty Fierce Audacious Necklace, Sandy Rubin Aziza Necklace, Koulianos Designs Illuminations Shield Pendant
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New Designers

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

Auctim emerald auction
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough Emeralds

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy