Object Details
Designed by
Tito D. Caicedo, American, 1961 - 2016
Owned by
Fab 5 Freddy, American, born 1959
Subject of
MTV, American, founded 1981
Description
A gold and diamond “MTV” ring designed by Tito the Jeweler, aka "Manny,” and owned by Fab Five Freddy. The ring is a three dimensional reproduction of the 1981–1994 MTV logo. The ring features a block letter [M] molded on the shank and overlaid on the right with smaller, freeform gold text, encrusted with twenty round diamonds, that reads [TV]. The text [TV] is soldered to the [M] with small gold prongs. Embossed on a solid gold bar below the [M] is small text that reads [MUSIC TELEVISION]. The negative space around the letter [M] is embellished with roughhewn diagonal hatch marks. The other exterior surfaces of the ring and the interior of the shank bottom are smooth. The interior of the ring, under the design element, has an irregular dimpled surface. There are no markings on the ring.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Date
ca. 1988
Object number
2020.38.6
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
finger rings
Medium
diamond on gold
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 1/8 × 1 1/2 × 1 7/16 in. (2.9 × 3.8 × 3.7 cm)
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Jewelry and Adornment
Exhibition
Musical Crossroads
On View
NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Clothing and dress
Fashion
Fashion design
Hip-hop (Music)
Rappers (Musicians)
Television
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2020.38.6
