Inspired by a model of the expanding universe made by cosmologist Alan Lightman at a Princeton University summer class, Gralnick's neckpieces bring together cosmology and machine functionality, an exploration of " perfect movement ", with weights that move up and down, or cords that wind up inside the machine-like parts . " The Tragedy of Great Love " ( 1994 ), a locket necklace now in the collection of the MFA Boston, is a square, hinged box filled with a gold wedding ring and vials of salt and sugar on a silver chain with a single gold link.
