Interview about Hope Garden Ring, winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2024
This design has an indirect message from Wabi-sabi philosophy: nothing lasts. Same as seasons changing difficulties in life are temporary too. They are seasons on life. It all depends upon, how you take on life and adjust to these seasons. Pink color in Persian is the symbol of patience and hope. Pink mother of pearls is used in the center of this ring and represents that by having hope and patience one can overcome issues. In old days Iranians tried to recreate heaven on earth by building gardens. These gardens were called parties.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe design of Hope Garden emerged from my desire to blend two profound yet contrasting philosophies: the structured harmony of Persian gardens and the acceptance of imperfection found in Wabi-sabi.Persian gardens represent a balance between order and nature, with their symmetrical layouts and purposeful use of space symbolizing paradise on Earth. I drew inspiration from this precision to create a structured base, ensuring that the piece feels grounded and timeless.On the other hand, Wabi-sabi celebrates imperfection, transience, and authenticity, which deeply resonates with the themes of hope and resilience. This philosophy inspired me to incorporate subtle irregularities and organic textures, such as asymmetric details or hand-finished elements, that bring life and uniqueness to the design.The interplay of polished and matte surfaces further emphasizes the contrast between the refined geometry of Persian gardens and the raw beauty of Wabi-sabi's imperfection. Together, these cultural elements tell a story of harmony in diversity, which I believe is essential to the concept of hope
The pink mother of pearl at the heart of Hope Garden serves as more than a decorative element; it’s a symbolic centerpiece that embodies patience and hope, deeply rooted in Persian cultural values.In Persian culture, patience (sabr) is often likened to the steady process of cultivation, much like a pearl forming over time within a shell. The mother of pearl represents this journey—starting from a grain of sand and, through resilience and time, transforming into something beautiful and luminous. This parallels the idea of hope as a quiet but persistent force that grows even in adversity.The soft pink hue was chosen intentionally, as it evokes gentleness, compassion, and the promise of a brighter future. This color mirrors the subtle hues often found in Persian gardens at dawn, a time symbolizing renewal and the first light of hope after darkness.By placing the pink mother of pearl at the ring's center, I aimed to create a focal point that draws attention to the heart of the design, much like how patience and hope are central to overcoming life's challenges. It’s a reminder that beauty often emerges from enduring life’s trials with grace and faith.
The symmetrical composition of the Hope Garden ring draws directly from the traditional principles of Iranian garden architecture, known as Chahar Bagh or "four gardens." These gardens are meticulously structured to create harmony and balance, symbolizing a spiritual and physical representation of paradise.By incorporating this historical design principle into a contemporary piece, I aimed to bridge the past and present, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity. Symmetry, in this context, reflects the universal human desire for balance—whether in nature, life, or emotions—which is just as relevant today as it was centuries ago.In a jewelry context, symmetry provides a sense of grounding and timeless elegance, making the piece feel both rooted and enduring. It also invites a sense of contemplation, much like walking through a Persian garden, where every detail is intentional and imbued with meaning.Through Hope Garden, I wanted to honor this rich architectural tradition while showcasing its adaptability in modern design. It’s a way to remind us that even in a fast-paced world, there’s value in creating spaces—and objects—that inspire peace, balance, and hope.
The choice of multiple precious materials in Hope Garden was guided by both aesthetic considerations and the desire to infuse each element with symbolic meaning. Achieving balance was critical to ensure that the piece feels cohesive and resonates emotionally.Diamonds, with their brilliance and durability, were chosen to represent the enduring nature of hope—unwavering and resilient, even in the face of challenges. Their placement within the design mirrors stars scattered across a night sky, symbolizing guidance and inspiration.Rose gold, with its warm and inviting tone, was selected to evoke a sense of compassion and optimism. It contrasts beautifully with the cool shimmer of the diamonds, creating an interplay of warmth and light that reflects the duality of strength and gentleness inherent in hope.The balance came through meticulous planning and a deep respect for Persian design principles, where every element contributes to the overall harmony. Just as Persian gardens carefully integrate water, flora, and structure, I aimed to ensure that each material in the ring complements the others without overpowering the design. This reflects the unity and balance we seek in life—a core message of Hope Garden.Ultimately, the interplay of materials is a celebration of contrasts coming together to create beauty, much like hope emerging from life’s complexities.
The inclusion of a wooden element in Hope Garden was a deliberate choice to introduce a natural, organic material that symbolizes the passage of time and the transient beauty of life.Wood, with its grain patterns and inherent imperfections, perfectly captures the essence of temporality. It tells a story of growth, change, and resilience, reflecting the cycles of nature and the human journey. In Persian culture, gardens often feature trees as living symbols of patience, shelter, and renewal—values deeply intertwined with the concept of hope.By incorporating wood into the ring, I wanted to create a tactile connection to nature and contrast the permanence of materials like diamonds and gold. This juxtaposition emphasizes the idea that while some aspects of life are enduring, others are fleeting yet equally significant. The wooden element serves as a reminder to cherish the present moment while nurturing hope for the future.In the overall narrative, the wood acts as a bridge between the earthly and the eternal, grounding the design in nature’s impermanence while celebrating the enduring human spirit. It’s an unexpected material in fine jewelry, but one that adds depth and a unique storytelling layer to Hope Garden.
The production of Hope Garden combines CAD technology and traditional craftsmanship to achieve both precision and artistry. CAD allowed me to experiment with complex designs and ensure structural integrity, while traditional techniques, like hand-polishing and setting, added warmth and authenticity. This blend of modern and classical methods not only enriched the design but also reflected the essence of Hope Garden: balancing innovation with tradition to create a timeless piece.
To bridge the temporal gap, I began by deeply studying Persian garden architecture and its symbolism, extracting timeless elements like balance and harmony. I then translated these into modern forms using CAD, ensuring precision while preserving their essence. Incorporating materials like rose gold and wood added layers of meaning, blending tradition with innovation. Traditional craftsmanship ensured an authentic, human touch that technology alone couldn’t achieve. This process allowed Hope Garden to honor its cultural roots while appealing to contemporary sensibilities.
The dimensions and proportions of Hope Garden were meticulously calculated to balance aesthetics with comfort. I started by studying the ergonomic needs of a wearable ring, ensuring it sits comfortably without feeling bulky. The design draws from Persian garden symmetry, with proportions carefully scaled to maintain harmony and visual balance. CAD technology allowed me to fine-tune every detail, while traditional craftsmanship ensured a seamless fit. This combination created a piece that is both striking and effortlessly wearable.
The inclusion of vitreous art on the interior of Hope Garden was inspired by the hidden beauty often found in Persian paradise gardens, where private, intimate spaces reveal themselves unexpectedly. This hidden artistic element symbolizes the idea that paradise and beauty are not only visible but also internal, requiring patience and discovery. The vitreous art reflects the garden’s secret depths, encouraging the wearer to find personal connection and meaning within the piece. It adds an intimate layer to the design, enhancing the overall concept of a serene, personal sanctuary, just like the tranquil corners of traditional gardens.
I believe Hope Garden represents a bridge between cultural heritage and modern design, showing that jewelry can carry deep symbolism while embracing innovation. Looking ahead, I envision this fusion inspiring more designers to explore their cultural roots and blend them with contemporary techniques. As the industry moves toward personalization and storytelling, I hope Hope Garden encourages a shift toward more meaningful, thoughtful designs that resonate with the wearer on a deeper level. The future of jewelry, in my view, will continue to embrace this balance of tradition and innovation, offering both aesthetic beauty and personal significance.
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