Metal Images Artistry to Represent Classic Autos: Beautiful Earring and Pin Designs for Henry Ford Museum

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Visitors to Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan, and historic automobile enthusiasts everywhere will soon be able to purchase beautiful new Metal Images jewelry based on two of the most famous automobile models in U.S. history. Lori Elder, chief metalsmith of Metal Images, has been asked by the museum to produce sterling silver earrings based on a historic Lincoln Continental and a sterling silver pin representing an American classic, the Model-T.

A Lincoln used by a Roosevelt and the car that started it all

The sterling silver earrings, with blue lapiz stones, will be based on the hood ornament of the 1939 Lincoln Presidential Parade Vehicle, nicknamed the Sunshine Special, once used by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The “Sunshine Special” is currently on display at Henry Ford Museum along with four other Presidential vehicles.

“Of all the presidential automobiles on display at Henry Ford Museum, only the Sunshine Special has such a distinctive artistic design element as the hood ornament,” said Wes Hardin, the museum's manager of product development and licensing. “It's always reminded me of the Trylon and Perisphere from the 1939 New York World's Fair. It evokes a special time in American history.”

Although the Model-T pin does indeed represent a classic — the car that made automotive travel possible for average working Americans — this new Metal Images jewelry features a unique and eye-catching design, including charming moonstone headlights.

“Integrating design elements of these classic automobiles into original metal jewelry has been both a challenge and a joy,” Elder said. “The cars we're representing, genuine icons of American culture, were produced during a time of beautiful, graceful designs. I am honored by the faith the museum had in our ability to live up to those standards. Working with Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village has been very inspirational.”

The Metal Images jewelry will be available at the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village gift shop and included in the Fall 2002 Ford Collection catalog sent to Ford Motor Company dealers. They will also be available via the Museum Store section of the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village website.

About Henry Ford Museum

Based on a collection begun by Henry Ford himself, Henry Ford Museum contains a wide range of fascinating exhibits highlighting 200-plus years of American innovation, ingenuity and initiative. Viewed by over 1.5 million visitors each year, the museum displays many of the inventions and ideas — and, of course, the automobiles — that have driven American growth and prosperity. Please visit the Henry Ford Museum website for more information.

About Metal Images

Metal Images has been creating beautiful high-quality metalcraft for over a decade. The San Francisco-based company has artfully represented the image and vision of world renowned musicians; high-profile television and movie promotions; sports teams; manufacturers; service groups and individuals. Along with Henry Ford Museum, Lori Elder of Metal Images has designed metal art for a diverse range of clients, including Prince, Metallica, the Grammy Awards, X-Files, The Saint, and the Ford Motor Company.

For large or small volume productions or individual pieces, Metal Images provides inspired design capturing the heart of your audience and the soul of your message.

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