Artist Bill Copley’s only necklace design, Chaìne pour une femme enceinte, exudes the artist’s signature combination of joviality and nuanced social commentary. In a subtle critique of American contemporary society, every limb of each figure is articulated so the wearer can manipulate the golden figures. An allegory for the manipulation of advertising and Western commercialism, the title meaning ‘chain for a pregnant woman’ also alludes to the parent’s role as manipulator. At the same time the image of these jubilant figures dancing around the neck, akin to plump babies caught in various stages of movement, is as much a celebration of new life as a comment on contemporary culture.
Made from 18ct rose gold in an edition of nine, the necklace was made in collaboration with Copley’s friend and jeweller, GianCarlo Montebello. One-piece was realised during his lifetime, with subsequent works having been made more recently as a continuation of the first edition.