The locket of this necklace bears a public exterior and a secret interior known only to the wearer. When opened it reveals a circular recess that holds a gold ring, the archetypal wedding band and symbol of eternity. Below the removable ring, and behind a glass window, are two granular substances labeled "SUGAR" and "SALT," metaphors for the sweet and bitter aspects of love. Over time, the salt corroded the silver interior, an effect that was part of the jewel’s concept. According to the artist, "Although the sugar and salt looked the same when the piece was made . . . over time one would remain stable and one would be corrosive." The jewel symbolizes the public-private aspect of relationships and poetically addresses the complex and often contradictory nature of love.

---