The ‘stunt double’ for the diamond-studded ‘Satine’ neckpiece worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge is one of over 700 jewellery pieces now on display at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
Designed by Stefano Canturi, the original ‘Satine’ features 1308 diamonds totalling 134 carats making it, according to the Guiness Book of Records, the most valuable piece of jewellery ever created for a motion picture.
The silver and crystal replica on display at the Museum appears in the film as the original necklace’s “stunt double”.
Other highlights on display at the A fine possession: Jewellery and identity exhibition include a diamond and emerald encrusted brooch worn by Cate Blanchett to the Oscars; ancient Egyptian amulets and heart scarabs; unique pieces of Victorian mourning jewellery; an ornate Napoleon Bonaparte ring carved in onyx by Italy’s Antonio Santorelli; the Lady Granville parure made from iridescent beetles; and a ‘tiara’ made of aluminium sardine tins by Venice Biennale 2015 artist Fiona Hall.
According to curator Eva Czernis-Ryl, the exhibition spans “time, place and culture” and tells the stories of jewellery designed, made and worn in Australia and across the globe.
She said A fine possession showcases jewels of desire made from a variety of traditional and avant-garde materials, while addressing the key theme of ‘our place in time’ through the remarkable selection of jewellery collected in Australia.
The exhibition brings together objects from the Museum’s own collection “that have rarely or never been seen” alongside prized possessions from the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Galleries of NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA); as well as community galleries, private collectors such as Anne Schofield Antiques , jewellers, critics and academics.
Czernis-Ryl said the exhibition will appeal to anyone with “an interest in creative jewellery from different periods and cultures, and in objects of intimate beauty that enchant, surprise and stimulate the imagination”.
A fine possession: Jewellery and identity will be on display at the Powerhouse Museum until September 20 next year.