Interview about The Bottom Ring, winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2024
The Bottom ring, a handmade environmental statement ring, symbolizes marine fragility among global pollution. The hemimorphite stone is located at the center of the ring, recognized for its healing and energetic benefits. Sea star and marine snail motifs, inspired by the ocean floor. From detailed sketch to manual crafting with gemstones and gold plated silver, this ring upholds the tradition of handcraft, ensuring every detail has its meaning.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe journey of creating The Bottom Ring began with a deep admiration for the ocean's intricate beauty and a growing awareness of its fragility due to human impact. Initial sketches drew inspiration from marine life—sea stars and snails—captured during seaside explorations. Each detail was thoughtfully designed to reflect the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems.The process transitioned from conceptual design to meticulous handcrafting, where hemimorphite was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolic and energetic properties, emphasizing healing and resilience. Gold-plated silver was selected to frame the stone, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability.Every step, from sourcing ethically obtained materials to the precision of crafting each motif, reflected a commitment to authenticity and environmental consciousness. This piece evolved into more than jewelry—it became a tangible statement urging awareness and action to protect our oceans.
Growing up in Budva, Montenegro, my connection to the sea deeply shaped my perspective on nature’s beauty and fragility. The stunning marine life I witnessed daily in the Adriatic Sea, with its vibrant creatures and delicate ecosystems, sparked my creative journey. The sea star and marine snail motifs in The Bottom Ring are a direct reflection of these marine encounters—symbols of resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.The sea star, known for its regenerative powers, represents hope and the potential for renewal. The marine snail, with its spiral form, symbolizes the intricate, cyclical nature of life beneath the waves. These motifs are a tribute to the ocean's delicate balance and my desire to honor its inherent beauty.In choosing hemimorphite as the central gemstone, I was inspired by its healing properties and connection to water, further enhancing the design’s focus on environmental healing. The gold-plated silver setting adds a layer of luxury while maintaining an ethical commitment to sustainability. Through The Bottom Ring, I aim to share the ocean’s story, urging a deeper connection to its preservation.
In The Bottom Ring, I chose to combine Madagascar hemimorphite with sapphires, rubies, and emeralds to send a clear message about the environment. Hemimorphite, with its calming blue color, represents the ocean’s fragility. The sapphires, rubies, and emeralds bring life and color, symbolizing strength, beauty, and hope for renewal. Together, these stones reflect the importance of protecting marine life while honoring the ocean's beauty.
The intricate craftsmanship of The Bottom Ring, with its 39.42mm height and carefully arranged stones, reflects the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The height emphasizes the ring's bold presence, symbolizing the towering importance of ocean conservation. The complex arrangement of gemstones, from the hemimorphite at the center to the sapphires, rubies, and emeralds surrounding it, mirrors the interconnectedness of ocean life. Every detail was designed to highlight both the fragility and beauty of marine ecosystems, inspiring action to protect them.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award for The Bottom Ring reinforced the importance of combining creativity with purpose in jewelry design. It deepened my commitment to creating pieces that not only captivate but also raise awareness about critical environmental issues. This recognition has motivated me to continue exploring ways in which jewelry can be a powerful tool for advocacy, encouraging a greater sense of responsibility and a deeper connection to nature in those who wear it.
The main technical challenge in crafting The Bottom Ring was the delicate balance required to integrate multiple gemstones, each with its unique size and shape, into the 925 silver base with gold plating. Precision was crucial to ensure that each stone was securely set while maintaining the visual harmony of the design. The gold plating added another layer of complexity, as it had to be applied evenly to avoid any damage to the stones or imbalance in the ring’s overall appearance. Additionally, maintaining the intricate detailing of the sea star and marine snail motifs required expert skill to capture the textures accurately without compromising the integrity of the precious metals.
My transition from architecture to jewelry design was driven by a desire to create tangible, wearable art that conveys deeper meaning. Architecture taught me the importance of structure, proportions, and spatial balance, which I brought into jewelry design. In The Bottom Ring, these principles are reflected in the meticulous arrangement of gemstones and the careful consideration of scale. The ring’s design, while intricate, maintains a sense of harmony and stability—elements I learned to value in architecture. This background also helped me understand how to blend functionality with aesthetic beauty, ensuring that the piece is both visually striking and comfortable to wear.
The use of hemimorphite in The Bottom Ring is intentional, as this stone is known for its healing properties, especially its ability to promote empathy and emotional healing. By incorporating hemimorphite, I aim to connect the wearer to the emotional aspect of marine conservation. The stone encourages a deeper understanding and empathy towards the delicate state of our oceans and marine life. It complements the ring’s environmental message by fostering a personal connection, urging the wearer to feel a responsibility toward protecting the sea and its ecosystems.
Building on the success of The Bottom Ring, I plan to continue integrating environmental narratives into my future jewelry designs by using nature-inspired motifs and sustainable materials. The key will be balancing artistry with conservation messages—ensuring each piece is both visually captivating and environmentally meaningful. I aim to explore new techniques and materials that promote ecological awareness, such as incorporating recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and exploring new ways to symbolize the fragility of nature while preserving artistic expression.
The creation of The Bottom Ring from November 2023 to February 2024 was a pivotal journey that deepened my understanding of how traditional craftsmanship can be fused with modern environmental messages. Initially, I focused on maintaining the integrity of handmade techniques, which allowed me to ensure each detail was thoughtfully crafted. As the design evolved, I realized that the use of sustainable materials and the infusion of environmental symbolism through elements like the sea star and hemimorphite stone enhanced the ring's narrative.This process not only sharpened my technical skills but also inspired me to push the boundaries of traditional jewelry design. I began to think more critically about how each material and form could represent broader themes of conservation, transforming the piece from an aesthetic object into an advocacy tool. The Bottom Ring became a means to connect with the wearer on a deeper level, not just through beauty, but through its message of marine ecosystem fragility. It reaffirmed my belief that jewelry can be both a statement of personal style and a vehicle for environmental awareness.
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