Necklace

Copied Earl Pardon, Necklace, ca. 1976, 14K gold, ivory, coral, jasper and painted wood, 13 781 3438 in. (35.14.60.9 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
Date
ca. 1976
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
13 781 3438 in. (35.14.60.9 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 Description
14K gold, ivory, coral, jasper and painted wood
Classifications
Object Number
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.