Mike Simonian & Maaike Evers
Stolen Jewels:
back, left to right
The Great Chrysanthemum, 2007
Daisy Fellow’s “Tutti Frutti” Necklace, 2007
Imelda Marco’s Ruby Necklace with Diamonds, 2007

front, left to right
Van Cleef & Arples Ruby and Diamond Earrings, 2007
Hope Diamond, 2007

Painted and scored leather
Courtesy of the artists

After searching the internet for images of some of the most famous and most expensive jewelry in the world, designers Mike Simonian and Maaike Evers captured the electronic images and refashioned them as part of their Stolen Jewels series. When viewed from a distance, these pieces sparkle and read as what they are: big, flashy, “look-at-me” objects. Closer examination, however, revels low-resolution images that were digitally reworked and resized, and then printed onto scorned leather. Stolen Jewels raises questions about real and perceived value. The jewels have been stripped of their monetary worth. But in their digital form, they have taken on new life.