The one-of-a-kind necklace was designed in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Damien Hirst Sued for Allegedly Copying Jewelry Design
Canadian artist and jewelry designer Colleen Wolstenholme has filed suit against the famed British artist, claiming he copied her pill-motif jewelry.
New York--Two artists and jewelry designers are involved in a legal battle in New York federal court over their respective lines of jewelry inspired by prescription drugs.
Canadian artist Colleen Wolstenholme, who, according to court documents filed by her attorney, “produces works in a wide range of media including jewelry, painting, sculpture, embroidery, and digital collage,” first introduced her pill sculptures and jewelry, the work for which she is most known, in 1996.
Wolstenholme’s tribute to pharmaceutical drugs, such as Prozac and Percocet, is a comment on today’s quick-fix society, and her pairing of pills with jewelry expands this statement into a dialogue on female oppression.
Court documents state that Wolstenholme combined two ideas in executing these designs: one, that jewelry, particularly engagement rings, are a way for men to lay claim to women; and two, that pharmaceutical drugs are disproportionately prescribed to females.
Damien Hirst, purportedly the United Kingdom’s wealthiest living artist, rose to fame in the 1990s as part of the YBA, or Young British Artists, movement. He is most well-known for his works which preserve animals in formaldehyde and his spot designs.
Hirst also uses pharmaceutical pills as a theme in his work. He created large-scale pill cabinet sculptures from 2007 to 2010.
He also sells silver and gold pill jewelry, which is the disputed work addressed in the lawsuit, through his retail company Other Criteria, which sells his work online and in its New York store, where it is headquartered.
Hirst also collaborated with fine jewelry brand Hoorsenbuhs on a pill-themed collection in 2014.
In court documents, Wolstenholme’s attorney asserts that, “Hirst knew of Wolstenholme and the Wolstenholme works as early as March 1998, if not earlier, and had access to the works” and “began creating, distributing, displaying and selling the infringing works as early as 2004.”
Wolstenholme is suing Hirst and Other Criteria for copyright infringement under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, copyright infringement under the Canadian Copyright Act, and unfair competition.
“When viewed side by side, the works and the infringing works are identical and/or substantially similar,” court documents state.
While Wolstenholme has thus far been denied copyright protection from the United States, she is currently re-applying for protection of a specific pill charm bracelet, which grants her legal ground to sue.
Additionally, the United States and Canada are parties to The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, which “provides
Wolstenholme is seeking a permanent injunction for Hirst and Other Criteria to stop producing any work similar to Wolstenholme’s and an order impounding all existing copies of the work. She is also seeking damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.
Hirst has been the subject of copyright claims before, and has previously entered into one settlement.
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Science UK Limited, Hirst’s company, said, “We refute the claim made by Colleen Wolstenholme. Damien Hirst designed his earliest pill work in 1988, long before Wolstenholme created her first jewellery. We will defend any action brought against Damien.”
The Latest
“My Next Question” guests Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan share their 2025 forecasts, from sales and marketing to what retailers should stock.
The gemstone show is slated to take place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
The suspects are accused of planning to kidnap a Miami jeweler and rob him of his cryptocurrency.
Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 58, was a senior protection officer for Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, in Windhoek, Namibia.
A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
The online diamond and jewelry marketplace has expanded, introducing a new platform dedicated to colored gemstone trading.
The second annual learning forum for retailers is slated for March 13 at City Winery in Pier 57 in New York City.
Roy Safit took over the role on Jan. 1.
Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
The company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Now in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
The “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
Peter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Julia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
The company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
The necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
The 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
The watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
The jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
The online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.