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Brand News: Zoltan David Gets Permanent Placement In Smithsonian; Alex Soldier Launches Blog August 23, 2017 (0 comments)
Jeweler Zoltan David’s Work Gets Permanent Place In Smithsonian
Austin, TX—Renowned jewelry artist Sir Zoltan David will have one of his designs permanently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. His award-winning necklace, “Iris,” (left) will be installed as the centerpiece of the Moonstone Collection in the Feldspar exhibit in the Smithsonian’s renowned Gem Hall.
“I am delighted to have my work become a part of American culture,” says David. “This is a literal dream come true for me. As a young man, at the early stages of my training in fine jewelry, I remember standing in the Smithsonian in awe of the craftsmanship surrounding me, and hoping that someday my work could be on display there. What an honor to have my Iris necklace showcased with the some of the finest jewelry houses in the world. I am a proud small business owner who is truly living the American dream, and I am grateful now to be sharing my work with people from around the country and across the globe.”
After winning the 2016 American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Award, the necklace was displayed at the AGTA show in Tucson, where curators from the Smithsonian saw it after a multi-year search for the perfect piece to highlight as the center of the museum’s moonstone collection. A custom display and lighting are under construction for it, and the necklace will go on display permanently beginning in early 2018.
The necklace contains a rare shimmering white 35.63-carat cat’s eye marquise-cut moonstone from India. The pendant is enhanced with 35 perfectly matched 5-mm iridescent blue moonstones, 18.20 ctw., set in a blue patinated bronze with pure platinum inlay and ideal cut diamond accents. Estimated value is $56,000.
The reverse of the pendant is engraved with, “By the light of a silvery moon, an ocean of life awaits your magical touch.”
Metallurgist David uses old-world goldsmithing techniques combined with technology like 3-D laser printing to creatively marry different metals, which he blends, fuses, patinates, and crafts to project light onto the viewer’s eye in a very particular way.
“Iris is now America’s heirloom moonstone. Long may it bring pleasure to everyone who sees it at the Smithsonian,” he says. For more information on the Iris pendant, click here. For more information on any of Zoltan David’s designs, click here.
Alex Soldier Launches Blog; Attends Monte Carlo Television Festival Boat Show
New York, NY—Jewelry designer Alex Soldier recently launched a new blog detailing the global following of collectors his brand has. Click here to read about the recent gathering aboard the 145-foot yacht Bravelove One in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Dinner at Monaco Yacht Club, from left to right: double Oscar and Grammy Award winner Leslie Bricusse & his wife Evie Bricusse, Producer, Creative Director & Actor Tom Claeren, legendary Hollywood Producer Gary L. Pudney, General Secretary and Human resources Manager at Societe des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers a Monaco Agnes Puons, Nina Stevens, CEO of Monte-Carlo Television Festival Laurent Puons, President of Lapolita Productions Judith Laurence, Helcius Pitanguy, Executive Director of Alex Soldier Maria Soldier. Photo by Claudia G. Albuquerque.