item details
NameAbstract R.E.G.A.R.D. Pendant
ProductionOctavia Cook; jeweller; 2012; New Zealand
Classificationpendants, studio jewellery, jewellery
Materialsacrylic, sterling silver, plastic alloy
Materials SummaryAcrylic, epoxy resin, oxidised sterling silver, cubic zirconia, cord
DimensionsOverall: 67mm (width), 455mm (length), 25mm (depth)
Registration Number2012-0008-1
Credit linePurchased 2012
Overview
An eye on the past
Jeweller Octavia Cook thinks of her contemporary eye pendant as a protective amulet – ‘something you couldn’t resist touching and loading with your own personal sentiments’.
The ancient Egyptians believed that the wadjet (eye symbol) would protect them in the afterlife. They wore jewellery depicting scarabs (desert beetles) for similar reasons.
Cook's pendant contains a nod to the Victorians, who sent coded messages of affection through jewellery. Here, the message is R.E.G.A.R.D. Zoom in and you can follow the code around the edge: red ruby for R, green emerald for E, purple garnet for G, and so on.