DESIGN NAME: Merging Galaxies
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Jewelry Collection
INSPIRATION: The inspiration came after watching videos about merging galaxies. I was amazed by images of two or more galaxies merging while forming something completely new and beautiful. In a sophisticated interplay of gravitation, the galaxies dance with each other in a kind of galactic waltz. Even more strikingly, most of the stars and planet systems could remain intact, as they are so far apart in the space. Hence, the idea came to depict merging galaxies and planet systems in a jewelry collection.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Merging Galaxies jewelry collection is based on three main elements, two of which are made in two different sizes. There are two kinds of centerpieces representing merging galaxies, two kinds of links representing planet systems, and the earpiece representing the planet. Every element also has a network-shaped design on the backside, which represents gravitation forces. In this way, the pieces continuously transform themselves while worn as elements turn, especially bracelets, colliers and backdrops but also earrings. Moreover, optical illusions are created through fine engravements, as if small gemstones were set.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: All pieces of the collection are based on the same five elements. Currently available pieces are: a collier on a long chain with a large centerpiece and two backdrop links; another collier, which consists of larger and smaller links on a long chain; a bracelet that consists of smaller links; two-part earrings that consist of the earpiece and smaller link; a pendant based on the smaller centerpiece; and a few more. Every element has fine engravings that create optical illusions as if many small gemstones were set. All elements contain backside designs, so that a piece would visually transform when a link is occasionally turned around.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Initial design was created in 2016 in Wavre, Belgium. It consisted of a small centerpiece and earrings. Most elements and ready pieces were created in 2018, at occasion of the 10th Salon de Creations in Brabant Wallon, and presented at a fashion parade at that event. This fashion parade influenced the development of the collection, especially as it was important to add larger and more visible pieces that would outline the beauty of the models and the gowns. The entire video from that event is available at the official site of TVCom, the TV channel of Brabant Wallon province.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Currently there are versions existing in yellow gold 18K with jade, gold-plated sterling silver with lapis lazuli, rhodium-plated sterling silver with onyx, as well as white gold with lapis lazuli. Besides, the concept of five main elements multiplied by different metals and gemstones enables countless combinations to be created. A blend of traditional and high-tech production approaches has been used, with details available to jury in a separate document. The larger centerpiece uses a custom-cut lapis lazuli cabochon, with golden inclusions on dark blue stone representing the night sky.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The large centerpiece is approximately 65x13x55mm with an 13x18 cabochon and 32x7x28mm with a 10 x 8 cabochon. The links are 25X6x32mm with an 13x18 cabochon and 14x4x17mm with a 8 x 10 cabochon. The earpiece is approximately 12mm in diameter.
TAGS: Merging Galaxies, collier, backdrop, gold, silver, earrings, lapis, onyx, pendant
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: I searched for shapes and elements that one most of observers would associate with something extraterrestrial, coming from outer space. It was also important to create several base elements that can fit together in a harmonious manner. On a more technical side, I researched for optimal production parameters to enable these intricate pieces to be quickly produced in quantities while keeping all finest details of the design. Especially with a centerpiece, a cost of high-precision 3D printing by a third party would be immense, therefore I had to find a creative and efficient workaround...
CHALLENGE: The challenge was to create such base elements that can match harmonically together in different combinations for use in multiple pieces of the collection. Another challenge was a fine engravement on quite small pieces to create an optical illusion of stones set. Technically, the most difficult step was the preparation of the large centerpiece, while achieving the necessary precision, as well as making the backside designs compatible with casting and molding processes. Some of these technical difficulties were addressed through 3D modeling and laser welding.
ADDED DATE: 2018-07-08 17:58:29
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Image 1: Photographer Aleksandra Rowicka, 2019.
Image 2: Photographer Aleksandra Rowicka, 2018.
Image 3: Photographer Aleksandra Rowicka, 2019.
Image 4: Photographer Aleksandra Rowicka, 2018.
Image 5: Photographer Aleksandra Rowicka, 2018.
Video Credits: Composed by Queensberg, 2019.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: (c) 2017-2019 Queensberg
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