Jacob & Co. Five Time Zone watch on display at the Ice Cold: Hip-Hop exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History.
About six months ago, a new exhibit entitled Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry, that runs until mid-January 2025 at the American Museum of Natural History opened. Interestingly enough, there was not a lot of fanfare around the opening of the display – which features dazzling, sometimes custom-made jewelry – and even watches — worn by some of hip-hop’s biggest stars, including Jacob & Co., Slick Rick, Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky, The Notorious B.I.G., Bad Bunny, and Erykah Badu.
Fear not, though, there are still a few months left to visit the intriguing exhibit that is housed in the Museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. Ice Cold is a highlight of New York City’s celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. It explores how hip-hop jewelry has become a powerful form of cultural expression, symbolizing individuality, resilience, and success.
Jacob & Co. black and white diamond headphone pendant is on exhibit.
Museum President Sean M. Decatur notes that the exhibition “opens a window into one of the most powerful social and cultural forces of the past 50 years—hip-hop.” The exhibit was curated by journalist and author Vikki Tobak, along with a team of hip-hop legends and industry insiders.
A Journey Through Hip-Hop’s History
Ice Cold traces the evolution of hip-hop jewelry over five decades, from the oversized gold chains of the late 1970s to today’s extravagant, multi-colored designs. It begins with pieces from pioneers like Slick Rick, who helped shape the genre’s visual identity. His iconic five-foot-long chain, glittering crown, and eye patch are all on display, representing hip-hop’s early embrace of royal imagery.
Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry opens at the American Museum of Natural History on May 9, in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, part of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
Classic 1980s pieces include Biz Markie’s gold nameplate and Flavor Flav’s famous clock necklace. These early works were created by local jewelers and celebrated individuality. Moving into the 1990s, the exhibition showcases jewelry from some of the biggest names in rap, such as The Notorious B.I.G.’s legendary “Jesus piece” and Ghostface Killah’s massive Eagle arm band, both symbols of power and status.
As hip-hop grew into a global cultural force, so did the jewelry trends. Ice Cold highlights the emergence of ‘label chains,’ including diamond-studded medallions from Roc-A-Fella, Ruff Ryders, and Quality Control Music, symbolizing collective pride and success.
Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry opens at the American Museum of Natural History on May 9, in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, part of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
In the 21st century, hip-hop jewelry has pushed creative boundaries, with artists commissioning bolder, more elaborate designs. The exhibition includes T-Pain’s “Big Ass Chain,” Nicki Minaj’s Barbie pendant, and Drake’s “Crown Jewel of Toronto” necklace, designed by Alex Moss.
Even Jacob & Co. pieces are on display. Among them: a 2002 Five Time Zones watch crafted in steel with a diamond bezel, a headphone pendant with black and white diamonds and more.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the intersection of jewelry, culture, and history at the American Museum of Natural History. Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry is open through mid-January 2025.
Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry opens at the American Museum of Natural History on May 9, in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, part of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
