Interview about Queen of Lake Multifunctional Ring , winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2025
This multifunctional handcrafted ring is designed with the idea of being versatile. It can easily transform into a pendant or a brooch. Each side of the ring is delicately designed. Even the back side is handmade and adorned with a tanzanite stone. Despite its large size, the ring is comfortable to wear. The concept behind designing Queen of Lake is Monet's Water Lilies and the unique application of colors by Monet, who suffered from visual impairment, but that didn't stop him from his iconic creative path. This ring is a reflection of a designer's innovative artistic vision.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe most challenging aspect of the design was developing a convenient method to transform the pendant into a ring. It was essential to maintain both the safety and delicacy of the pin behind the brooch. Due to the limited space, setting various tanzanite stones beneath the petals proved difficult, requiring multiple recuts of the gems. The back of the jewelry also demanded precise design, as it had to accommodate the pin and safety lock when the shank was detached—all while maintaining an elegant appearance.
As a painter, I am deeply passionate about art, and Monet’s work has been a tremendous inspiration to me. His genius color palette captivated me, influencing my gemstone selection for Queen of Lake. I aimed to mirror the hues of his Water Lilies painting while conveying a psychological message through my design: that our weaknesses can become tools for creating something novel and extraordinary. Much like Monet, whose visual impairment never hindered his artistry—he saw blue as purple, and white as a glittering shade—I embraced limitations as a creative force. To represent the purple tones of water, I chose tanzanite, a rare and luxurious gemstone, while diamonds emphasized the shimmering white.
The final shape of the petals was crucial to me. Since the ring is entirely handmade, each bend was carefully executed to achieve delicate, precise curves. These petals needed to cradle the central pearl perfectly, so I repeated the shaping process multiple times until the desired form was achieved.
Paying close attention to both the back and front of the jewelry is an obsession of mine. To achieve this, I designed delicate pins on the reverse side, ensuring Queen of Lake—a multifunctional piece that transforms into a brooch and pendant—remained glamorous from every angle. My logo, along with a fine tanzanite stone, was neatly incorporated into the back, balancing functionality with artistry. Fully handmade, this ring embodies elegance as its defining characteristic.
I didn’t want the ring to be too heavy. Every part had to be delicate and elegant—even the backside pin was designed with extreme attention. That said, though the ring is large in size, it’s still very comfortable to wear.
Color harmony has always been a main concern for me. A unique and very large pearl with purplish-pink hue was carefully chosen to complement the purple tanzanite, while diamonds enhance their beauty and complete the charm. Together, they form a harmonious collection. To me, selecting the right colors is crucial—whenever I gather gemstones for a design, I focus intently on the palette’s balance. I avoid using too many colors in my work. While a vibrant mix might catch the eye at first, it often becomes tiresome over time.
The Queen of the Lake is a multifunctional ring, so safety was a top priority in its design. When transformed into a ring, it’s secured with a safety tab. Every lock is crafted for convenience and security. Though the backside pin is tiny and delicate, it remains strong and reliable.
As I remember myself, I was mesmerized by Impressionist art when I was a teenage painter. The extraordinary color palettes of artists like Monet deeply inspired me, and I enjoyed taking ideas from their color combinations while painting. When I transitioned into jewelry design, it felt natural to draw from that same Impressionist brilliance in this new artistic realm. As a painter-turned-jewelry designer, I took immense pride in creating a piece that honored my passion for a pioneer like Monet. As I mentioned earlier, I wove the psychological message of Monet’s life story into my design process. Just as he—unable to see colors as they truly were—persisted and created his own luminous palette, we too can transform our limitations into something beautiful.
Fusing the originality of classical style with the innovation of contemporary design is my signature approach. I use these two as complements to each other, creating fresh and unique jewelry pieces that embody the characteristics of both styles. This allows me to craft something with a traditional, classy appearance while benefiting from the convenience and functionality of contemporary design.
My aim is to enhance feminine self-confidence through my jewelry. The message hidden in my jewelry is that feminine beauty is complete only when combined with self-esteem, and that`s where the true strength comes from. I believe that when a piece carries a meaningful and spiritual message beyond its material value and external beauty, that idea acts as a reminder to the woman who wears it. That is precious to me—that my creations not only enhance a woman's attractiveness but also allow her to feel my deepest spiritual thoughts whenever she wears my jewelry.
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