In 2019, Tokens was approached by the Detroit Institute of Arts, which had undergone renovation in 2018 for its north wing, now known as the Robert and Katherine Jacobs Asian Wing. The renovation required the demolition of a large staircase that took visitors from the Kirby Lobby to the Contemporary Galleries on the second floor, leaving the DIA with a surplus of stone material. Such materials play an important role in the history of the DIA's architecture as the dark granite was originally employed on the exterior of the north wing when it was first constructed. During a later renovation, it and the south wing were refaced with white marble to allow for a more unified appearance to match the original Cret building.
Understanding the significance of the stone material, Tokens set about cutting and crafting the stone into custom sterling silver pendants, key rings, and cuff links, celebrating the architectural history of the Detroit Institute of Arts in an elegant, tactile way.
Corner of a dark granite slab taken from the demolition process of the north wing
Granite carved and shaped into rectangular pieces ready for setting
Sterling silver cuff links with swivel finding
Rough front granite set in sterling silver
Similarly styled keychain on a horseshoe keyring
Letter of authenticity