Precious Objects

“What is the life of jewelry when it’s not worn?” That’s the question Victoire de Castellane, Dior Joaillerie creative director since 1998, asked herself when creating the highly personal, fine-jewelry-as-art for her first New York exhibition “Precious Objects,” which is on display at the Gagosian Gallery’s Madison Avenue location through April 5th. The exhibition includes some 20 fantastical pieces, including a necklace that is an ode to Alice in Wonderland “with all the colors and the magic mushrooms,” de Castellane says; a sparkling, lacquered blue flower made of silver, white gold, diamonds and smoky quartz; and a navy serpent that appears to be illuminated by moonlight as it slithers towards an emerald-and-diamond flower. The goal, she explains, is to immortalize flora and fauna. “The idea that something is going to die is very difficult for me,” de Castellane says. These vibrant baubles will live on.

“Precious Objects” by Victoire de Castellane is on display at Gagosian Gallery through April 5.