Interview about The Hummingbird Single Earring, winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2022
This earring was inspired by the innate elegance of Nature. It has the shape, the size and the colors of an actual hummingbird. The tail holds the upper part of the ear in order to have most of the weight leaning against it. The beak is the actual post of the earring and the flower is its back. Total number of precious stones: 350. Total precious stones weight: Diamonds 0.62ct, Sapphires (dark blue, blue, light blue and orange): 3.88ct, Tzavorites: 2.31ct. Total 18kt white and pink gold: 40g. Rhodium plating from black to grey on specific areas of the tail, the wings and the body.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsObserving hummingbirds in California was a truly mesmerizing experience that profoundly influenced the creation of The Hummingbird Single Earring. These tiny creatures possess such intricate beauty and grace, which I wanted to capture in every detail of the piece. I became captivated by the delicate structure of their wings, the shimmer of their feathers, and their vibrant energy.Translating this into jewelry required a deep focus on anatomical accuracy, ensuring the earring felt as lifelike as possible. I combined my observations with detailed research and studied photos of hummingbirds to ensure anatomical accuracy. At the same time, I wanted to infuse it with an artistic interpretation that celebrated their elegance and spirit. This balance between precision and creativity allowed me to create a piece that not only reflects nature's beauty but also embodies the luxurious craftsmanship that defines my work.
I was inspired by a specific species of hummingbird known for its vibrant, iridescent plumage. I worked with a photo of that bird in front of me throughout the entire design process, using its exact colors as my guide. The bright greens, blues, and subtle sparkles in its feathers led me to carefully select and arrange diamonds, sapphires, and tsavorites to recreate its natural brilliance. This attention to detail allowed me to bring the bird’s vivid beauty to life in The Hummingbird Single Earring.
Designing the weight distribution for The Hummingbird Single Earring was quite a challenge since the balance of the piece relied entirely on two key elements: the tail and the beak. I had to carefully account for the total weight, ensuring that the tail was crafted to securely hold the upper part of the ear while maintaining enough weight to prevent the hummingbird from tipping forward. The beak acts as the pivot point, perfectly positioning the piece and giving it the stability it needs, all while preserving the natural grace of a hovering hummingbird.
Rhodium is an incredibly shiny metal that allows for a beautiful range of hues, from white to black. This made it the perfect choice for replicating the realistic plumage of a hummingbird’s tail. By carefully applying rhodium plating, I was able to create subtle color gradients that mimic the natural textures and dimensional effects of real feathers, adding depth and lifelike detail to it.
The design of "The Hummingbird" is a true blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Hand-carving taught me how to sculpt organic and elegant shapes, which I absolutely love. Even though many people might find it crazy to create something as intricate as the hummingbird using Rhinoceros, I approached it with the same care and detail as if I were carving it by hand. This allowed me to bring a sense of artistry and natural flow to the piece while leveraging CAD/CAM technology for precision in structure and weight distribution. The result is a design that feels both lifelike and technically perfect, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation.
Creating this piece was a delicate balancing act between achieving true-to-life proportions and ensuring it was wearable. I went through countless resin prototypes, fine-tuning the dimensions at every step. During the production of the first metal prototype, I had to make practical adjustments to improve wearability, such as adding a hidden clasp in the tail for stability. Of course, there are other clever design secrets I incorporated, but those I’ll keep to myself :-) !
"The Hummingbird" reflects my belief in the harmony between humans and nature, but my jewelry is also deeply inspired by respect for different cultures. Each piece embodies not only the beauty of the natural world but also the rich traditions and values of various cultures. Jewelry, to me, is a way to tell stories—stories that connect us to nature, history, and the diverse expressions of human creativity. Through this piece, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving both the environment and the cultural heritage that shapes us.
Of course, it’s simple: by ensuring scientific accuracy in the measurements, I was able to create a piece that feels incredibly lifelike. When you wear this earring, it’s as if a real hummingbird is gently perched on your ear in the most natural way. This realistic proportion and detail make the piece truly impressive—everyone who sees it is stunned by how alive it feels, capturing the essence of the bird in a way that’s both artistic and scientifically true to nature.
Earning recognition through the A' Design Award has been incredibly inspiring and validating. It reinforced my belief in the power of nature-inspired design and encouraged me to continue exploring the intricate beauty of the natural world. This international acclaim has motivated me to push the boundaries of my creativity even further, knowing that nature’s wonders can be translated into jewelry that resonates globally. It has also reminded me of the responsibility I have to create pieces that not only captivate but also honor the environment and the cultures that inspire them.
My advice to aspiring jewelry designers would be to always start with a deep respect for the natural world. Take the time to observe and study your subject closely - whether it's a bird, a flower, or any element of nature. Don’t rush the process. The key is to combine your artistic vision with technical precision, ensuring that every detail is both beautiful and functional. Embrace both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, as they can work together to bring your vision to life. And most importantly, stay true to the essence of what you’re trying to represent - nature’s beauty lies in its authenticity and its imperfections, so let that guide your designs.
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