The word surreal conjures up work by Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali and Andre Breton whose nonsensical, sometimes mind boggling art famously includes pipes floating and clocks melting, among various other motifs.
Surreal could also sum up 2016 as a year when politics, rhetoric and business as usual were anything but. Perhaps it’s why Merriam Webster chose the term as it’s official “word of the year” stating the definition as “unbelievable and fantastic”.
We can think of quite a few pieces of estate jewelry that embody the term (particularly the fantastic part) and take their cues from iconic artists, incorporating whimsical, often sculptural effects.
The Cartier “Delice” watch is something out of a Dali painting, but still in keeping with the classic spirit of the French brand. An Asprey Gold Snake bracelet is articulated in such a way one would think it was a scientific relic as well as a dazzling piece of jewelry. And several items from Amitai Kav illustrate just how surreal fine jewelry can really be. The Freeform Art Necklace in 18K is literally just that, freeform in shape and statement making in style.
Each item is beyond bold in aesthetic and infuses the spirit of surrealism into a precious, wearable piece of art.