If you loved the Magic 8 Ball as a kid, you’re going to flip for Marie Lichtenberg’s luxe take on the classic fortune-telling toy by Mattel.
Earlier this month in Las Vegas, the Parisian designer unveiled her Magic Ball necklace, an 18k gold orb with the same functionality as the 1950s original and the same “8” on front—except this time the number is rendered in diamond pavé and framed by a backdrop of white enamel. (The style also comes in a hand-enameled guilloche version in green, pink, or red with rainbow sapphires.)
Handmade in Italy with the brand’s signature brushed gold coco finish, the necklace, which retails for $18,735, is a toy unto itself. Shake it and ask a yes or no question. Look for an answer in the window on the back, where potential replies include “For sure” and “Ask again later.” (Yes, Lichtenberg officially collaborated with Mattel on the piece.)
The pendant, which comes on a thick 18k gold rope chain, may well be the apotheosis of the playful jewelry and watch trend that’s taken root since the pandemic. We’ve seen gem-set robot pendants, Muppet-festooned Swiss watches, and all manner of lighthearted designs meant to inspire a sense of joy. Even Rolex, famous for sticking to tradition, introduced a watch in March that cycles through 31 different emojis in place of the date. All heck has broken loose!
But for Lichtenberg, no stranger to making jewelry with a sassy sensibility (check out her “penis orb”!), the Magic Ball is of a piece with her entire bejeweled and irreverent oeuvre.
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