Curation is a funny thing. It’s not necessarily about choosing your favourite things which would be simple really, because it’s not ultimately about the curator. It’s about identifying key elements of an artist’s design language and piecing an exhibition together like a jigsaw puzzle so that the whole is greater than anything any of us could do individually. In many ways, you have to take yourself out of the equation. Brilliant & Black tested me. With 25 designers, all contributing something unique, something valuable in terms of historical importance, it was a monumental undertaking. Making for the show took more time than the artists were given and they each rose to the challenge in new and interesting ways. Each jewel a challenge and a triumph. Here are just 12 jewels for your edification from half of the artists involved. I’ll show the other half tomorrow. When I look at them, I have no idea how they pulled it off but that’s why they are the best. In order, they are: 1. @jacquelinerabun 2. @maggisimpkins 3. Pascale Marthine Tayou via @elisabettaciprianigallery 4. @mareinewyork 5. @thedancingjeweler 6. @disaallsopp 7. @jarietoloye_jewellery_objects 8. @sholabranson 9. @lorrainewestjewelry 10. @satta_yei_matturi 11. @auvere_true_gold 13. @harwellgodfrey @sothebys @sothebysjewels #sothebysbrilliantandblack #showofthecentury #collectibles #jewelryasart #curation #bestofthebest