Ruth Angus, associate curator of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, leads a tour of the exhibition "Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels," running through January 4, 2026, in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery. The show features over 60 pieces from the Parisian maison's archives and private collections, each inspired by cosmic phenomena such as galaxies, stars, and planetary nebulae. Angus served as curatorial advisor alongside Denton Ebel, Kate Kiseeva, and Alexandrine Maviel-Sonet, with thematic sections covering the Moon, Sun, distant galaxies, meteorites, and the Zodiac. Highlights include the Trappist transformable necklace (2021) inspired by the TRAPPIST-1 star system and the Explosion Stellaire necklace (2021) depicting a supernova.
The exhibition matters because it represents a unique intersection of art, science, and high jewelry, translating astronomical data and celestial imagery into wearable art. By collaborating with astrophysicists, Van Cleef & Arpels bridges the gap between scientific accuracy and poetic interpretation, making complex cosmic concepts accessible to a broad audience. The show also underscores the growing trend of museums partnering with luxury brands to create immersive, educational experiences that attract diverse visitors, while highlighting how contemporary jewelry can serve as a medium for scientific storytelling.