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Object Timeline

1993

  • Work on this object began.

2016

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2025

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Kinetic ring Ring

This is a ring. It was designed by Friedrich Becker. It is dated 1993 and we acquired it in 2016. Its medium is stainless steel, synthetic sapphire. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.


The minimalist design of this ring belies its unique combination of master craftsmanship and sculptural acumen. When worn, its blue acrylic rectangle spins on a special mechanism in response to the wearer’s hand movements, seemingly becoming vibrant and alive.

This object was donated by Susan Lewin. It is credited The Susan Grant Lewin Collection, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

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Our curators have highlighted 1 object that are related to this one.

Its dimensions are

H x diam.: 3.5 × 3.2 cm (1 3/8 × 1 1/4 in.)

It has the following markings

On reverse of disc, 'F. BECKER 1993'

Cite this object as

Kinetic ring Ring; Designed by Friedrich Becker (German, 1922 - 1997); stainless steel, synthetic sapphire; H x diam.: 3.5 × 3.2 cm (1 3/8 × 1 1/4 in.); The Susan Grant Lewin Collection, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; 2016-34-5

We have 1 video that features Kinetic ring Ring.

Kinetic Ring in Motion

Kinetic Ring, by Friedrich Becker, 1993. In motion

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Jewelry of Ideas: Gifts from the Susan Grant Lewin Collection.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/554917223/ |title=Kinetic ring Ring |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>