Joel A. Rosenthal, an American in Paris whose jewels are known by his acronym, JAR, is the first living jeweller to have a retrospective at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Running from November 20-March 9, it will feature over 400 pieces of Rosenthal’s incredibly ornate and stunning works. I can never hope to own one of these, but hope to see the exhibit. Proximity (separated by bullet proof glass) will have to be enough.

Rosenthal is known for his deft use of stones to literally illustrate a piece, bringing it to almost life. His floral pieces especially look nearly like real blooms, and his innovative use of materials and stones sets him apart from other jewellers. Rosenthal has declined repeated offers to buy his business and name, preferring to take his time (often years or even decades) to decide the proper use and placement for a focal stone.

You can read more about the exhibit here, and in Cathy Horyn’s New York Times piece here.