Necklace

Earl Pardon, Necklace, ca. 1976, 14K gold, ivory, coral, jasper and painted wood, 13 ⁷⁄₈ x 1 ³⁄₄ x ³⁄₈ in. (35.1 x 4.6 x 0.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Eugene Kaplan in memory of Pearl Rappaport Kaplan, a Renwick Gallery docent from 1981 to 1991 and museum purchase through the Renwick Acquisitions Fund, 1992.6

Artwork Details

Title: Necklace
Artist: Earl Pardon
Date: ca. 1976
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 13 ⁷⁄₈ x 1 ³⁄₄ x ³⁄₈ in. (35.1 x 4.6 x 0.9 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Eugene Kaplan in memory of Pearl Rappaport Kaplan, a Renwick Gallery docent from 1981 to 1991 and museum purchase through the Renwick Acquisitions Fund
Mediums: ivory
coral
gold
jasper
Mediums Description: 14K gold, ivory, coral, jasper and painted wood
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 1992.6
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1992.6

Artwork Description

Earl Pardon’s Necklace integrates fine art and jewelry. In the 1970s he turned away from enamel in his jewelry making and began to assemble gold, ivory, coral, jasper, and painted wood into abstract collages. He saw jewelry as portable art and felt that it was as important as painting or sculpture despite its smaller scale. Inspired by African tribal dance figures and composed of several parts, each designed to move independently, Necklace responds to the slightest movement of the wearer.