CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
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
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
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s JewelersThe New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to SeattleThe trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in SeptemberIts sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ EarringsFor its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief EffortsThe jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as HoneyInspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry DesignThe brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb JewelerGoldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the AmericasLongtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.
