Poppy, Paula Crevoshay, 2012. Opal, moonstone, black diamond, diamond, gold. Courtesy of Crevoshay Studio.
Explore the science and art behind Paula Crevoshay’s sparkling jewelry designs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) in a new exhibition, _Art of the Jewel: The Crevoshay Collection_.
Inspired by Crevoshay’s passion for art, science and nature, NHM’s Gem and Mineral Vault now features over 50 pieces of jewelry, from earrings to brooches, that take the form of plants, animals and insects.
“I believe deeply that all life in nature is miraculous,” Crevoshay, nicknamed the Queen of Color, said in an email. “Since I was quite small I used to be fascinated by the world around me, from butterfly to the winds to the tides to the heavens, and I've carried the awe and the mysteries of nature into my work.”
Beyond simply viewing the masterpieces, visitors will learn about the natural process of mineral creation, what defines a gem and how they are transformed into the fine art jewelry we know and love. Crevoshay noted that this is what makes this particular exhibition special.
“It's so rewarding, as an artist who has been working for over 30 years using the light of the earth and the noble metals, to see the progress and evolution of my inspiration that comes directly from nature,” she said.
Crevoshay’s collection of California tourmaline, Montana sapphire, moonstone, pearl, black diamond and more will be on view until May 12.
“I have so much passion and so much more to give,” Crevoshay said. “Having this exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, I have found new wind beneath my wings for new master works to come.”
California Queen, Paula Crevoshay, 2017. A bracelet made of over 75 carats of California tourmaline. Courtesy of Crevoshay Studio.
Sukumalee, Paula Crevoshay, 2018. Gold, sapphire, tsavorite, rubellite. Courtesy of Crevoshay Studio.
Lady Slipper, Paula Crevoshay, 2014. A brooch made up of a 21.46 ct natural abalone pearl, opal, sapphire, peridot, and tourmaline. Courtesy of Crevoshay Studio.
