WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused PandemoniumThe $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.
MajorsJun 16, 2016
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.
A pill bracelet by Colleen Wolstenhome, photo courtesy of Art Mûr
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
that work authored by citizens of signatory states must be accorded at least the same copyright protection in other signatory states as such states accord works authored by their own citizens.”
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.”
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.”
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Medal ModernWith gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales TruthsIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.
Weekly QuizMay 14, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into JoyThe “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ EmeraldThe jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.
AuctionsMay 15, 2026
American Collector Ponies Up Almost $17K for John Wayne’s RingThe Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2026
JA, MJSA To Sponsor Roundtable at TJSThe discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.
SourcingMay 15, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
White Diamonds Lead Sotheby’s Auction, Blue Diamond Does Not SellA matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.
Supplier BulletinMay 14, 2026
A Diamond Is Forever Continues Desert Diamonds – Bridal ReinvigoratedSponsored by A Diamond Is Forever
SourcingMay 14, 2026
State of Colored Stones: The Spirit of Young American Gemstone CuttersThe next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.
AuctionsMay 14, 2026
‘Ocean Dream’ Makes Waves at Christie’s, Fetching $17MIt was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.
CrimeMay 14, 2026
Second Man Arrested in Florida Pawn Shop Shooting Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.
CrimeMay 13, 2026
JSA’s 2025 Crime Report Shows ‘Concerning’ Rise in ViolenceWhile the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.
IndependentsMay 13, 2026
New Orleans Jeweler Closing Canal Place StoreJack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.
SourcingMay 13, 2026
Smithsonian Acquires ‘Winston Red’ Diamond PaintingReena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.
TrendsMay 13, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
ColumnistsMay 12, 2026
It’s Official: We’re Getting ‘Brain Rot’ From Watching Short-Form Videos Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.
CollectionsMay 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Debuts Antique Coin-Inspired Medallions for SummerThe 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.
IndependentsMay 12, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2026
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award Is BackThe partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.
IndependentsMay 11, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Closing After 70 YearsThe owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.
