Cool Hunting

Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, the legendary porcelain factory based in Munich, recently launched "Essentials," a collaboration with the Swiss-born designer Patrik Muff. For the company's inaugural jewelry collection, Muff focused on the "essentials" of human existence: faith, love, hope and death. Using simple archetypal symbols, these themes are readily deciphered without the need for additional explanation. The cross stands for faith, the heart for love, the skull for impermanence and the anchor for hope.

The 18-piece collection is comprised of necklaces and keyrings, featuring both pendants and medallions in Nymphenburg's signature glazed porcelain. All porcelain elements are produced entirely by hand at the Nymphenburg workshops, while the filigreed silver components were designed by Patrik Muff at his studio in Munich.

Select pieces such as the cross pendant ($760, top left), the skull ($370, top right) or the medallion keyrings ($740, above), can be purchased through the The Shop at Cooper-Hewitt by calling 212 849 8355. Or, to find a retailer near you, see Nymphenburg's stockists page.