Interview about Blessed Child rings, winner of the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award 2015
The Blessed Child rings are a promise for love: Baby Jamie cuddles up to the inside of the ring and trusts its life to the hands of the mother. The baby is laid on its back sucking its thumb. It is the mental vision of her unborn child that every pregnant woman has in her mind. The ring symbolises the unconditional mutual bond of trust between infant and mother and pays homage to this trust. Baby Sam is on top of the world, safe, healthy and happy. The wearer carries the baby with pride, presenting herself as a confident mother. The ring is a band saying: „Trust me, you are loved!"
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe inspiration for the Blessed Child Rings came from my own experiences as a mother to my son and the profound bond I share with him. I wanted to create a piece of jewelry that captures the essence of this connection, something that mothers could wear to feel close to their children, even when they are apart. This deeply emotional design concept is a tribute to the unconditional love and enduring bond between mother and child.
The dual designs of the Blessed Child Rings were created to represent the different aspects of motherhood. The ring with a visible baby symbolizes the joy and pride of openly displaying one's love and connection to their child. In contrast, the ring with a hidden baby represents the private, intimate bond that only the mother feels. This duality allows mothers to choose a ring that resonates with their personal experience of motherhood, whether they wish to showcase their bond or keep it close to their heart.
Integrating 3D technology with traditional goldsmith techniques allowed us to achieve a level of precision and detail that would be challenging with traditional methods alone. 3D printing enabled us to create intricate baby figures with fine details, while traditional craftsmanship ensured the quality and durability of the rings. This blend of old and new techniques resulted in a piece that is both beautifully detailed and expertly crafted.
Keeping the baby figures gender-neutral and without specific facial features was a deliberate choice to ensure the rings' universal appeal. This design decision allows the rings to symbolize any child, regardless of gender, and makes them more inclusive. The lack of specific facial features also adds to the symbolic meaning of the rings, allowing each wearer to project their own emotions and memories onto the piece.
Overcoming the technical challenges involved extensive testing and refinement of the design. We experimented with different materials and techniques to ensure the baby figures were both intricate and durable. Additionally, we carefully considered the ring's shape and weight to ensure it was comfortable to wear. By balancing artistry with practicality, we were able to create a piece that is both beautiful and wearable.
Designing jewelry that provides comfort during the remembrance of stillborn children was a sensitive and deeply personal process. We approached this with the utmost respect and empathy, creating a design that honors the memory of the child while offering solace to the parents. The hidden baby figure within the ring symbolizes the presence of the child, providing a tangible reminder of their memory that parents can carry with them.
The research phase revealed the importance of balancing aesthetics with practicality. We found that the ring's comfort and durability were crucial for daily wear. Insights such as the ring's thickness, weight distribution, and the positioning of the baby figure influenced the final design. These considerations ensured that the ring could be worn comfortably throughout the day while retaining its emotional significance.
Customization options allow wearers to create a piece that is uniquely theirs. The rings are available in two different widths and can be customized to represent as many children as needed through different set stones or engravings. We set only diamonds (white or champagne in color) or sapphires, not only in blue but also in pink and other colors. By adding personalized engravings, such as a child's name or birthdate, the rings become deeply personal and meaningful. These possibilities enhance the emotional connection between the wearer and the piece, making it a cherished reminder of their bond with their child.
One unexpected discovery was the powerful impact of the hidden baby figure. Initially, the concept was to have all babies visible, but the idea of a hidden baby resonated deeply with many mothers. This creative breakthrough added a new layer of emotional depth to the rings. Additionally, the use of 3D printing technology allowed us to achieve a level of detail that exceeded our expectations, enhancing the overall design.
Looking ahead, we envision expanding the Blessed Child concept to include a wider range of jewelry pieces that celebrate different aspects of the parent-child relationship. This could include pendants, bracelets, and earrings that incorporate similar symbolic elements. We have implemented a 3D generator on our website (www.BrittasSchmiede.de) where customers can create their personal ring and even see it worn on a semitransparent hand.
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