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Metadata
Title |
The Milky Way Necklace |
Object Name |
Necklace |
Catalog Number |
2002.1.91 |
Creator |
Bill Reid |
Date |
1969 |
Scope & Content |
Item is a yellow and white gold necklace set with diamonds (2002.1.91a). The necklace is contructed of both 18k and 22k yellow gold, as well as white gold. There are 118 diamonds in the necklace. The necklace is shaped in two layers, with the lower layer constructed of three dimensional pyramid shapes that are hinged and articulated and the upper layer composed of a wire forming angular shapes. A brooch is hidden within the necklace that can be detached and worn separately (2002.1.91b). The clasp on the necklace is opened by pushing on one of the diamonds. The clasp also contains Reid's signature and the date. It took Bill Reid 10 years to design and create this necklace. While the piece is very contemporary, Reid later said, "In a way, this was inspired by Northwest Pacific Coast carvings. I noticed on some of the poles at Skidegate that they obviously had never heard of the law of physics that says two objects can't occupy the same space at the same time. Although this doesn't represent in any way anything derived from the Northwest Coast form, I would never have been able to conceive of this necklace - or make it - without having worked in Northwest Coast design." Reid gifted this necklace to his wife Martine. She wore it to several events. In later years, when asked what his best piece was, Reid would attest that it was this necklace. [Information and quote taken from "Gallant Beasts and Monsters" p. 10-11] |
Level of description |
Item |
Collection |
Bill and Martine Reid Founding Collection |
Parent Catalog Number |
2002.1 |
Credit line |
SFU Bill Reid Collection |
Ownership |
Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection |
People |
Reid, Bill Reid, Martine |
Subjects |
Brooches Diamonds Jewelry Necklaces |