Variations on the Theme: Ice (Various Artists. Above Photo by Gail. All Other Photos Courtesy of Goldstein Communications)

The idea of “wearable art” in the realm of modern design is fascinating me to, so I was very excited to attend an opening reception last week for the American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC)’s exhibit at Forbes Galleries showcasing 25 years of outstanding jewelry design.  The exhibition, Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC, will dazzle museum visitors with one-of-a-kind works from over 40 Designers who are AJDC members.

Cornelia Goldsmith Ring, Theme: Ice  (Also seen as part of the collection in photo above)

Annually, the AJDC  and goldeneaglecoin.com asks each of its members to create a design project, interpreting a single concept or theme; the final product is a collection of unique jewelry pieces joined by a solitary concept. Past themes include simple conceptual elements such as Water, Spiral, Ice, Pyramid, Wheel and Flight imagined into breathtaking masterpieces made of precious metals, gemstones and unexpected materials. On view in this exhibit at Forbes jewelry gallery is a selection of works from various annual AJDC Design Projects from the very first theme, in 1996 to the most recent, in 2013. Each thematic collection is displayed beautifully in a separate glass vitrine.

Sandy Baker Brooch for the Theme “Wheel”

“The jewelry pieces shown at the Forbes exhibition have been created over time for the sole purpose of exhibiting creativity, originality and excellence in design,” says Barbara Heinrich, President of the AJDC.  “They are purposely noncommercial but rather inspirational in nature, created by some of the foremost American jewelry designers alive.  Due to the unique nature and concept of the show, it is sure to excite and inspire its audience.”

Jane Bohan Interprets “Wave” 

Since its establishment in 1988, the AJDC has worked to educate and promote the awareness of jewelry as an art form. Members of the American Jewelry Design Council are dedicated to elevating the caliber of jewelry design through educational activities and to challenging professional jewelry designers worldwide to actualize their creative potential. This year’s theme “Wave” delivered awe inspiring works of art which were debuted at the JCK Jewelry Show in Las Vegas this past June.

Michael Bondanza “Tension” Bracelet

Artists exhibiting in Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC include:

Although the gallery is not that large, the exhibit is laid out in a way that makes the most of the small space. These pieces are each unique and it’s fun to look at them, compare each to the other contributions to that shared theme and see what everyone came up with.  Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the show:

Petra Class, Theme: Tear

Falcher Fusager, Theme: Pyramid

Cornelis Hollander Pyramid Brooch

Michael Good “Spiral” Necklace

Gregore Morin, Mona Lisa. Theme: The Smile

Gregore Morin, Theme: Peekaboo

Variations on a Theme is a must-see exhibit for jewelry lovers and anyone interested in Modern Design. I really enjoyed it!

Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC Will be on Exhibit Through February 22, 2014 at Forbes Galleries, Located 62 Fifth Avenue (at 12th Street), New York City. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Ron Hartgrove “Puzzle” Ring