NYC gallery showcases Canadian-designed meteorite ring

by eyetee | February 20, 2013 2:41 pm

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Toronto jewellery designer Niki Kavakonis’ ‘Ad Astra’ ring is out of this world—literally.

Featuring silver and iron/nickel meteorite, the self-standing sculptural ring is headed to a New York gallery, a close encounter of a less destructive kind, following last week’s meteor blast over Russia and an asteroid buzzing past the planet.

“The celestial events of Feb. 15—the flyby of Asteroid 2012 DA14 and the explosion of the meteor over Russia—provided a spectacular introduction to the ‘Ad Astra’ ring in the exhibition, ‘Out of this World! Jewelry in the Space Age’ at New York City’s The Forbes Galleries,” Kavakonis said.

With more than 100 designers and lenders, the exhibition includes vintage memorabilia and art objects relating to space, as well as jewellery made from out-of-this-world materials.

Highlights include the ‘Lunar Landing Pendant’ by Van Cleef and Arpels, which was created to commemorate the first walk in space. Cartier’s 18-karat gold Lunar Landing Module replica celebrating the first walk by man on the moon will also be on display.

Jewellery worn in space will also take centre stage in the form of a West Point ring belonging to Ed White II, who died in the Apollo I fire. And if you want to know what time it is on Mars, look for astronaut Michael Collins’ watch.

“We are delighted to be hosting an exhibition that explores the complex and esthetically inspiring relationship between outer space and jewellery,” said Bonnie Kirschstein, managing director of The Forbes Galleries.

“It is only natural there would eventually be an exploration of the beauty of space and its translation into adornment. I am very much looking forward to opening the doors to the public and seeing their reaction to the pieces—there are so many interesting stories in ‘Out of this World!’ that will be told in the exhibition.”

Kavakonis’s ring will be on display March 16 to Sept. 17.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/nyc-gallery-showcases-canadian-designed-meteorite-ring/

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