Interview about Affinity Ring, winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2023
Affinity ring design is a fusion of artistic and historical elegance with modern style. This ring is designed in the shape of a flowing curve. In its material, enamel, which has a historical background in the culture and art of the past, is used with a spectrum of green color on black gold. The overall design idea of this women's ring is inspired by the design of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, which is one of Zaha Hadid's designs.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe design of the Heydar Aliyev Center by Ms. Zaha Hadid, due to its distinctive architecture, fluid and curved style, is one of the prominent symbols of architecture in the world. In fact, drawing inspiration from the design of the Heydar Aliyev Center aligned with the characteristics I was looking for. The idea of the Affinity ring was a simultaneous combination of modern style with historical art, meaning that upon seeing the design or product, it should be understandable not only for its modern features but also for its traditional aspects. In the design of the Affinity ring, the curves, while conveying a sense of movement and flow, create a new order in the space, which is a characteristic of modern style. The use of enamel work, due to its historical significance, also reflects its traditional aspect.
According to the idea I had for designing the Affinity ring, I wanted rows on the surface of the ring to be arranged in a curved and parallel manner, with the rows alternating between black gold and enamel materials. While this arrangement may seem minor, it requires careful examination and precise calculation to maintain the overall integrity and visual appeal of the piece. So, considering the technical considerations, the first row should have gold material and the next row should have enamel material, and in this manner, black gold and enamel materials should be used alternately. In fact, through extensive trial and error, I concluded that the distance between each row and the next should be precisely 0.5 millimeters to achieve the best balance of form, maintain proportion, and create a beautiful visual rhythm.
The integration of black gold and green enamel in the Affinity ring design serves both symbolic and aesthetic purposes. Black gold, an unconventional yet captivating choice, represents strength and complexity. By using this material, the design skillfully conveys a sense of confidence and flexibility, transforming the ring into a powerful statement piece. Black gold also serves as a backdrop that allows the intricate details of the ring to take center stage, ensuring they are not overshadowed. On the other hand, the chosen green enamel is versatile and eye-catching, adding depth and vibrancy to the design. This vibrant color symbolizes growth, renewal, and harmony—values that resonate with the concept of the Affinity ring, which often represents a deep and meaningful connection between individuals. Additionally, the green enamel creates a striking contrast against the black gold, resulting in a visually captivating piece that effortlessly combines elegance and bold design elements.
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Certainly! The journey of creating the Affinity loop was an exploratory and experimental one. I started by studying various architectural forms and structures, drawing inspiration from the curves and lines that give buildings their unique characteristics. Then I started designing and prototyping various designs, playing with the idea of twisting and turning metal to create an eye-catching shape. After several iterations, the twisted shape of the Affinity ring began to take form, challenging the norms of traditional jewelry design with its bold and contemporary appearance. It was a process of trial and error, but in the end, I truly take pride in the result.
The development of Affinity's flow curves was a delicate balancing act. The enamel material can be difficult to work with due to its brittle nature and tendency to crack. To overcome these technical limitations, I had to carefully consider the structure of the design and ensure that the curves were not too sharp or severe. At the same time, I wanted to capture the essence of architectural movement, which often includes broad lines and dramatic angles. The solution was to create a design that suggested movement through delicate and gentle curves that flowed seamlessly into each other, while maintaining Mina's structural integrity. It was a challenging process, but I am excited about the final result.
The Affinity Ring reflects my belief that design should be a celebration of diverse cultural influences. As someone who has a deep appreciation for Middle Eastern art and modern architecture, I sought to create a piece that seamlessly combines these two worlds. The design of this ring utilizes rich geometric patterns and intricate details that are hallmarks of Middle Eastern art, while also incorporating clean lines and structural elements of contemporary architecture. This blend of cultural influences reflects my personal design philosophy, rooted in the idea that true innovation arises from embracing and building upon our collective past knowledge and wisdom.
Sure! The process of determining the number and arrangement of parallel rows in the Affinity loop was a combination of artistic intuition and technical precision. I started by studying various patterns and geometric configurations, paying close attention to the principles of balance, symmetry, and proportion. I experimented with various designs and 3D models, testing the number and arrangement of different rows, seeking to find the perfect balance between visual harmony and structural integrity. After much trial and error, I arrived at the final design, which featured parallel rows arranged in a curve to create a sense of depth and movement. This arrangement not only creates visual appeal but also helps distribute the weight of the enamel evenly across the surface of the ring, ensuring its beauty and durability.
The dimensions of the Affinity ring were carefully considered to create a piece that is both visually striking and comfortable to wear. The dimensions of 19.9mm x 33.2mm x 33.6mm have been chosen to create a ring that, without being too heavy or bulky, maintains an attractive and balanced form on the hand while preserving proportion.
Winning the A Design Bronze Award for the Affinity Ring is an incredible honor and achievement. This recognition not only affirms creativity and innovation but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for future work. As an emerging designer, this achievement gave me the confidence and encouragement to continue pushing the boundaries of jewelry design. I hope to achieve more success by exploring new materials, forms, and techniques, while remaining true to my core design philosophy of blending cultural influences and creating beautiful, wearable pieces. I am excited to see where this creative journey will take me next.
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