Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop

The show features over 150 pieces from the private collection of French collector Diane Venet who has carved out a singular place in the international art world. Her fascination with artist-designed jewelry began with a poetic gesture: her husband, renowned French sculptor Bernar Venet, wrapped a silver wire around her finger as a makeshift engagement ring, the very first piece in what would become a remarkable collection. Since then, her collection has grown into an impressive ensemble that captures the spirit of modern and contemporary art in miniature form, including works by Jeff Koons, George Braque, Alexander Calder, Man Ray, Yayoi Kusama, and many others. 

By pairing these jewelry pieces with paintings, sculptures, and photographs from the Norton Museum’s collection, the exhibit creates a compelling juxtaposition that reveals the evolution of the artists’ creative practices, deepening our understanding of their work and showing how their expressions have transcended various forms of art.  

Visitors will leave with a renewed appreciation for how creativity can manifest in even the smallest of forms — and how jewelry, in the hands of great artists, becomes a powerful extension of their artistic vision. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled and rarely seen display of these miniature masterworks. 

Learn more about the exhibition 

Image credit: Bernar Venet (French, born 1941), Ligne indéterminée (Indeterminate Line), 1985, Ring, Silver, Unique Size : 1 1/4 x 2 x 1 1/8 in. (3.8 x 5 x 2.8 cm) Diane Venet Collection © 2025 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris. Photo: Damian Noszkowicz.