'Cosmic Splendor' Dazzles at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC

On Friday, April 11, the American Museum of Natural History unveiled "Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels," a glittering new exhibition where natural history meets high jewelry in a tribute to the cosmos.

Set in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery within the renowned Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, the exhibition showcases more than 60 celestial-inspired creations — from dazzling diamond clips to planetary timepieces — all echoing humanity’s long-standing fascination with the universe.

Van Cleef & Arpels, the French high-jewelry maison with a legacy dating back to 1906, has translated the mysteries of space into intricate wearable art. Through seven thematic sections, Cosmic Splendor invites visitors on a stellar journey through the night sky, one gem at a time.

Take Me Away opens the exhibition with pieces that capture the sense of cosmic adventure, featuring exquisite pieces that evoke the wonder and grandeur of space, from meteors and shooting stars to legendary science fiction voyages, such as the Tampa necklace (2010), which pays tribute to Jules Verne’s novel From Earth to the Moon.

Next, Across the Universe zooms out to the grand scale of galaxies. The standout Double Galaxies clips (2021) mimic the sweeping spiral arms of the Butterfly Galaxies in Virgo, rendered in swirling hues of pink and mauve stones.

Lunar Wonders brings the Moon into focus. Among its most striking pieces is a 1969 yellow gold pendant, marked with a ruby cabochon at the Apollo 11 landing site — mirroring those gifted to the astronauts of that historic mission. It’s a powerful reminder of how jewelry can commemorate humanity’s most awe-inspiring achievements.

Our Star celebrates the radiant heart of our solar system: the Sun. Fiery orange garnets, glowing citrines and brilliant diamonds converge in pieces, such as the Fleur de Soleil clip (2016) and a vintage Sun pendant-clip from the 1970s, radiating both warmth and elegance.

Venturing farther into the cosmos, Beyond Earth showcases jewelry inspired by planetary systems and science fiction dreams. The TRAPPIST-1-themed transformable necklace and earrings (2021) blend discovery with design, while the Midnight Planétarium watch (2012) mesmerizes with its accurate miniature orbits of six planets.

Burning Bright focuses on the stars themselves — luminous and eternal. The Astre Necklace (2010), featuring a glowing black opal, and the Asterisk clip (1966-1967), with its timeless starburst motifs, exemplify Van Cleef & Arpels’ ability to capture the sky’s brilliance in gem form.

Finally, Lucky Stars brings it all home, interpreting the constellations and Zodiac signs in playful, personal designs — pendants, bracelets and watches that speak to the stories written in the stars.

Cosmic Splendor isn’t just a display of opulence, it’s a conversation between science and art. As Museum President Sean M. Decatur noted, the exhibition celebrates “natural beauty, creativity and craft.” It’s a fitting tribute in a museum that has long explored the mysteries of both Earth and space.

On view through January 4, 2026, Cosmic Splendor is included with museum admission. The American Museum is adjacent to Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.

Credits: Courtesy image by Alvaro Keding/© AMNH. Jewelry and watch photos courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.