Barbara Anton (American, 1926–2007), Potpourri of Pearls Necklace, circa 1968, gold, pearls, diamonds, Courtesy of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Collection of Kimberly Klosterman, Photography by Tony Walsh
Chopard (Swiss, est. 1860), Alexandra Watch, circa 1971, gold, diamonds, lapis lazuli, Courtesy of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Collection of Kimberly Klosterman, Photography by Tony Walsh
Andrew Grima (British, b. Italy, 1921–2007), Brooch, 1969, gold, watermelon tourmaline, diamonds, Courtesy of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Collection of Kimberly Klosterman, Photography by Tony Walsh
Arthur King (American, 1921–1991), Necklace, mid-1970s, gold, coral, diamonds, Courtesy of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Collection of Kimberly Klosterman, Photography by Tony Walsh
Elsa Peretti (Italian, active United States, 1940–2021), designer, Tiffany & Co. (American, est. 1837), manufacturer, Scorpion Necklace, 1979, gold, Courtesy of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Collection of Kimberly Klosterman, Photography by Tony Walsh
Jean Vendome (French, 1930–2017), Collier Veracruz (Veracruz Necklace), 1972, white gold, platinum, amethyst, diamonds, Courtesy of the Cincinnati Art Museum, Collection of Kimberly Klosterman, Photography by Tony Walsh
Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s
October 22, 2021–February 6, 2022
Vance Waddell and Mayerson Galleries (Galleries 124 & 125)
Free Admission | Press Release | Become a Member | Friends of Fashion
Jewelry of the 1960s and 1970s was as groundbreaking as the era itself. The space race, rock ‘n’ roll, the Beatles, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassinations, the Civil Rights movement, Pop Art, the Women’s Movement, the widespread use of drugs, the Pill, and the concept of free love were all facets of cultural change associated with these two decades. These social deviations set the stage for what jewelers had to offer, expressing individuality, nonconformity, and the aesthetic, political and intellectual values of those who wore it.
The individual makers represented in Simply Brilliant referred to themselves as artists first, jewelers second. They approached their work as a modern art form. Largely utilizing yellow gold and incorporating both precious and semi-precious gems, these artists were inspired by nature. They focused on organic forms, favored abstract shapes and concepts related to space-age trends. They used unconventional materials such as coral, shell, geodes and moldavite and were unrivaled in the texture they brought to jewelry. Theirs was a style that was appreciated by individuals who were looking for something different in an era when different was best.
This exhibition of approximately 120 pieces represents a single collector’s interest and explores the international renaissance in fine jewelry in the 1960s and ’70s. Drawn from one of the most important private collections in the world, assembled by Cincinnatian Kimberly Klosterman, this exhibition features the work of independent jewelers such as Andrew Grima, Gilbert Albert, Arthur King, Jean Vendome and Barbara Anton along with work created for Bulgari, Cartier, Boucheron and other major houses.
The exhibition is accompanied by a full color illustrated catalogue and includes essays by some of the most important scholars in the field. Biographies of each designer/house represented are paired with full color images, extended text for a select number of highlighted pieces and an appendix of maker’s marks.
Online Lecture: Jewelers and Jewelry Houses of the 1960s and ‘70s
The exhibition Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s examines work designed during decades that were rife with intense cultural change. Jewelry was part of the zeitgeist of this radical period and expressed an individual’s aesthetic, political, and intellectual values. Join Amanda Triossi, noted jewelry scholar and author, as she speaks about the jewelry created during these decades.
Explore the exhibition in person or remotely with audio descriptions of the artworks and exhibits, and audio versions of all accompanying interpretive texts.
Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s
by Cynthia Amnéus, Adam MacPhàrlain, Ruth Peltason, Rosemary Ransome Wallis, Amanda Triossi
Hardback
256 Pages
9 1/2 x 10 1/2 in
210 color illustrations
Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s presents over 100 examples by leading makers and designers of jewelry in the 1960s and ‘70s. Drawn from the stellar collection of Cincinnatian Kimberly Klosterman, these individual makers thought of themselves as artists first, jewelers second. This magnificent new volume, containing original research, is full of photography of stunning one of a kind pieces which reflect the inventive and ground-breaking attitudes of the era. The catalog explores the history of this jewelry and puts it in context with essays that speak to the 1961 Goldsmiths’ Hall exhibition in London, the early Italian makers, major jewelry houses and their contributions, and the jewelry of this era and its relationship to fashion. Integrating biographies of each of the makers with images of their work and maker’s marks, this volume illustrates jewelry by Andrew Grima, John Donald, Arthur King, Elsa Peretti, and many others, as well as work by major jewelry houses such as Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Bringing a new direction to fine jewelry design, these artists created unique pieces using non-traditional materials and creating unusual forms that were primarily drawn from nature.
Members Opening
October 21, 5–7 p.m.
Members are invited to enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in the Fountain Room before or after viewing the special exhibition.
Online Lecture: Jewelers and Jewelry Houses of the 1960s and ‘70s
The exhibition Simply Brilliant: Artist-Jewelers of the 1960s and 1970s examines work designed during decades that were rife with intense cultural change. Jewelry was part of the zeitgeist of this radical period and expressed an individual’s aesthetic, political, and intellectual values. Join Amanda Triossi, noted jewelry scholar and author, as she speaks about the jewelry created during these decades.
Conversation with Kimberly Klosterman and Cynthia Amnéus
December 9, 7–8 p.m.
Join the curator of the exhibition, Cynthia Amnéus, and the collector, Kimberly Klosterman, in a lively discussion about her collection and the exhibition.
Members: $10
General Public: $20
Students: $5
Jewelry Workshop with Artist Sarah Jane Bellamy
January 16, 2-3 p.m.
Members: $10 General admission: $20
Ms. Bellamy will guide you through making a piece of jewelry . . . or two . . . from found objects that are provided. Tour the Simply Brilliant exhibition beforehand to be inspired. Adults only.
Presenting Sponsor:
Additional support provided by:
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