Miye Matsukata, Earrings, ca. 1973, 18k and 24k gold with diamonds, 2 x 7⁄8 x 5⁄8 in. (5.1 x 2.2 x 1.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Harold Rubenstein in memory of his wife Irma Sims Rubenstein, 1991.106A-B
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Earrings
- Artist
- Date
- ca. 1973
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 2 x 7⁄8 x 5⁄8 in. (5.1 x 2.2 x 1.6 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Harold Rubenstein in memory of his wife Irma Sims Rubenstein
- Mediums Description
- 18k and 24k gold with diamonds
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 1991.106A-B
Artwork Description
Earrings is one of six jewelry pieces Miyé Matsukata made for a commission. The artist was asked to design pieces around loose diamonds that the client supplied. Because 24k gold is too soft to work in alone, Matsukata laminated the earrings with 18k gold, making then strong enough to hold the stones and durable enough to wear. She wanted the works to be well-balanced, comfortable to wear, and pleasing to the eye.