Interview about Blue Daisy Multifunctional Ring, winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2019
Daisy's are composite flowers with two flowers combined into one, an inner section and an outer petal section. It symbolizes the intertwining of two representing true love or the ultimate bond. The design blends in the uniqueness of the daisy flower allowing the wearer to wear the Blue Daisy in multiple ways. The choice of blue sapphires for the petals are to emphasize inspiration for hope, desire and love. Yellow sapphires chosen for the central flower petal engulfs the wearer to feel a sense of joy and pride giving the wearer complete serenity and confidence in displaying its elegance.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIt was all started the idea of ring creation at first. I love seeing the blue daisy floating between fingers and I want it to be big. Like an extravaganza type of ring or a cocktail ring. I want it to look fancy and distinctive. So to hold the big flower, I need to have a strong, thick or heavy ring or shank. So basically the whole piece may look a little strong. Since one of the focuses of my blue daisy is on versatile and multifunctional or interchangeable, I started to think of brooch or pendant. Earrings is not the option because I want a pair design for earrings and ring piece, I only have one that could take out. However, after some thoughts, brooch is not possible due to technical aspect. But for pendant yes it will be a brilliant. Also, it goes well with my principle of multiple occasion of wearing. For occasion that wearer may not want to be flashy, a pendant is just nice. Suitable to simple casual outing or going to the office. After working, it can transform to a cocktail ring for an evening party or night out.
The blue and yellow color from the daisy is the best contrast and why I chosen blue sapphire and yellow sapphire is because they are tough but not hardest. Just like the nature of daisy, feminine but strong. Not the hardest stone like diamond I will choose because hardest can mean stubborn and for a feminine flower like daisy a hint of strength is their character. People associate blue to more masculine behaviour but my blue daisy design in not entirely masculine, but achieving charm and elegant yet extraordinary with the contrast.
My background of marketing taught me how to observe, analyse and research about the market positioning, user behavioural and the be stand out from other marketing options. On the development part, for every new product development we need to go thought numerous processes from ideation to reality. It takes longer time even in the preparation but it definitely worth it. Therefore patience and mental strength are indeed play a vital role. Having said that, sometime, taking outsider feedback can be greatly help as well.
There are numerous thoughts put in place to try how to hook on the shank. This is the most challenging part. Besides sketches, I used mold to test out. I even researched other product such as cabinet hinges, door hinges and other work for better understanding. But when it came to stability, it took me much concern. So, I figured out how a bracelet secure the closing, basically with a lock mechanism. That was the “AHA” moment. On the other hand, for the pendant, I have to think how to create the bail for the chain and avoid letting the hinge part create any discomfort on the skin, so I make the bail slightly larger at the back of the pendant.
Considering daisy has many petals and overlapping each other, it is pretty challenge to make it lookalike especially with gemstone. In my case I have chosen marquise shape blue sapphire to represent the petals. With each of a tiny blue sapphire marquise, when combines with asymmetrical arrangement, it gives some hint of motion and 3D. Just like the flower is alive, moving happily, confidently in an open field with the wind blowing. This moment can be very free and attractive. This is the feeling I want the wearer to carry.
I would not say departure of traditional design but it is more to having variety of styles and changes. It is the evolution and another innovation from conventional. My concept is versatile. There are many ways wearing a jewelry and we do not need to stick with one or two. There is no wrong way of wearing it as everyone has their own expression. Be courage to express your own unique value. Be yourself, be confident and be recognize, these are the attributes of modern women lifestyle.
The shank and ring need to be solid. The weight is an important factor especially considering holding another big piece. Therefore, center is the best aim. The connection between piece is better at the center. You may not use the reference from conventional jewelry. The technical aspects are entirely different but I love this challenge. I would love to create something out of the norm. Beside weight, thickness, length and workmanship to make the connection part smooth, precise and accurate. This is for the security and comfort for wearing.
I have successfully portrayed this creation is a versatile piece, it challenges the conventional norm because it required a lot of thought and hard work to design and make. However, I strongly believe it can be mass produce and it does carry a strong commercial value to the market. The future of the jewelry design should be creative and innovative so that it carries the real value.
Find your life purpose. Trust your intuition. Build your dream. Besides, have proper research, planning and mental preparation of this new venture. Prepare for challenging path ahead but for me I never regretted my decision. This journey has given me exponential growth, vast experience, opening up my mind, deep connection within yourself and motivation to work every day. Also sense of joy and fulfilment that uncommendable. I would advise not immediately jump into decision but carefully analyse all factors such as your support system, technical knowledge, execution plan and so forth. My favourite quote will be “Design Your Dream” by Ivy Teong.
To balance between element of design and execution always a contemplating one. Being a designer sometimes can think too much of an artistic person and may be easily neglect the execution part. When I first study about design I focus a lot on drawing but have limited knowledge on practicality. I overcome my limitation by further study on jewelry making and manufacturing hands on. With this knowledge, with every idea I have for design, I will think about both technical innovation and artistic expression. A great design must be wearable and meet some standard of industry requirement. Once it became a habit, you will not exclude this factor out of your creation. It is part of your creation.
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