What is the most famous painting in the world? OK, there might be a few. And many of them have been around for quite some time and their likeness is available in public domain. If an artist has been looking down from the heavens above for over 100 years, we know it's OK to use their works...in our work. So as it is, Dunitz & Company has launched a new laser cut fair trade jewelry collection this season. I actually test marketed my concept at the recent Museum Store Association meeting in Washington DC. And the feedback was quite encouraging. Mona Lisa was smiling. 
The most famous painting? It might be Mona Lisa. But it sure seems Van Gogh's Starry Night will give that girl a run for her money. Just sayin'. And I was thrilled that the museum shop buyers loved the way I split many famous images for left ear and right ear views.
For years, it has seemed as if sales of our beaded studs and fused glass studs cover our office rent. We're always packing these little things by the dozens and dozens. Punch line. I decided these famous images in art should also be offered as stud earrings. Would you wear these? Does this image ring a bell with you? The Circus Horse by Marc Chagall. I'm almost certain my aunt gifted me the book, "Marc Chagall Life and Work", when I turned 11 or 12. That book must weigh 12 pounds. I still have it.
We've already had several conversations with museum shop buyers and a few gift stores about creating earrings with custom images. And we're all about that! That's exactly what I had hoped for when launching this line. In some cases, these designs will be exclusive to the institution commissioning them. Others, we will make available to everyone. Some museums have paintings where they own the rights. Without their collaboration, we could not use their images. What are some of the images we've been asked to offer in our fair trade jewelry collection? Stay tuned for the Virgin of Guadalupe, ancient textiles and...even fingerprints! -ND
