Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace was made by an anonymous artist. I love that. I can see a whole world in this piece; little silver droplets of mercury gathering together to create a beautiful design. Each silver bead has been carefully crafted and placed, like a painter layering brushstrokes to create form and depth. The blossoms almost look like bells, ringing out a silent song, and the turquoise stones add a touch of life and joy. I imagine the artist, carefully shaping each bead, feeling the cool metal between their fingers, thinking about adornment, beauty, and tradition. It is not a painting but a sculpture to be worn. It reminds me that artists are constantly in dialogue, be it through paint, silver or through the other means we choose to adorn our bodies. We are all just responding to the world and to each other, trying to make something beautiful and meaningful.