Gold Jewelry Design · 2022
Aphrodite Multifunctional Necklace
by Frida Hulten
- A' Design Award 2022 Gold Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Frida Hulten
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 83,223
- Verification code FEE3C42851 · Verify this award
About Aphrodite Multifunctional Necklace
Aphrodite is a necklace that can be worn in three different ways, three very different looks. The aim was to create a piece that covered the whole upper torso. A necklace that could stretch out over the shoulders, in a comfortable, wearable, interesting and attractive way. A necklace that could stretch out over the shoulders, in a comfortable, wearable, interesting and attractive way. Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and Beauty.
Within the rich tradition of contemporary jewelry design that bridges decorative arts and wearable sculpture, Frida Hultén's Aphrodite Multifunctional Necklace represents a sophisticated meditation on the relationship between ornament and the human form, drawing upon classical references while embracing thoroughly modern sensibilities regarding versatility and transformation. The work demonstrates remarkable technical accomplishment in its orchestration of multiple chain systems, each serving distinct visual and functional purposes: the delicate web construction that drapes across the shoulder evokes ancient metalworking traditions while the bold elongated oval links suggest more contemporary industrial aesthetics, creating a dialogue between historical craft and modern design vocabulary. The inclusion of turquoise spheres introduces both chromatic counterpoint and material diversity, their matte surfaces providing visual rest against the reflective gold while evoking longstanding associations between this stone and themes of protection, healing, and feminine power across numerous cultural traditions. The presentation against an anonymous black mannequin removes the work from specific cultural or personal context, inviting viewers to imagine the piece upon their own forms while simultaneously elevating the jewelry to the status of autonomous sculptural object worthy of contemplation independent of its functional purpose. The name Aphrodite explicitly invokes the classical goddess of beauty and love, suggesting that the designer positions this work within an ongoing conversation about adornment as both aesthetic enhancement and symbolic communication of identity, status, and personal mythology. One might consider how the multiple configuration possibilities inherent in the design's multifunctional nature allow wearers to become co-creators, adapting the piece to reflect different occasions, moods, or aspects of self-presentation, thus extending the creative act beyond the designer's studio into the daily ritual of dressing and self-construction.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Aphrodite is a necklace that can be worn in three different ways, three very different looks. The aim was to create a piece that covered the whole upper torso. A necklace that could stretch out over the shoulders, in a comfortable, wearable, interesting and attractive way.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Around the neck: 33cm and 3,5cm thick. Two identical wings measure: 1cm x 12cm x 8cm x 18cm, three mesh chains measure: 38x1cm, 41x1cm, 43x1cm. Chunky brass chain is 111cm long. Three brass rings with chain measures: 12cm x 14cm x 21cm x 14cm with decorative chain with glass pipe beads 17cm long and a chain with a plastic horn 49cm long.
- Tags
- Body jewellery, necklace, vintage, upcycling, recycling, multifunctional,
- Production Technology
- Made by hand using turquoise faceted resin beads made from recycled plastic, faceted gold colored pyrite, brown glass pipe beads, plastic horn pendant, oxidised copper chain, gold plated chain, thin brass chain, thick brass chain, decorative mesh chain, chunky antique brass chain from a lamp, leather, vintage belt buckle
- Design Challenge
- I wanted to mix many different looks in one necklace. Building from a vintage buckle that has a Victorian feel, for one contrast I chose a Native American inspiration with rings and chain. Another contrast I wanted something soft, delicate and feminine and chose wings with delicate chain and beads connected with mesh chain, and finished off with a chunky brass chain that gives it a modern, slightly fetish look.
The challenges was: combining different looks in one necklace, making the necklace look good sit well in three different ways. - Project Duration
- Created in Milan, Italy, during February 2022.
- Operation Flow
- This is a necklace that can be worn in three different ways.
First option: The lock is on the left side of the neck, a chunky chain hangs from the middle of the front to the middle of the back of the necklace, two identical wings hangs on the left side with connecting mesh chain over or under the arm, brass rings and chain covering the right shoulder.
Second option: The lock is on the front, wings and mesh chain on the front, rings and chain on the back, chunky chain either front or back.
Third option: The lock is on the back, wings and mesh chain on the back, rings and chain on the front, chunky chain either front or back. - Research
- In my whole creative life I have always tried to challenge myself. I have always been interested in making the most out of the torso. The neck, the back, the front, the shoulders, the arms, the waist. Finding the balance with weight. Come up with interesting designs that are wearable and comfortable.
- Inspiration
- Frida wanted to create a piece that covered the whole upper torso. A necklace that could stretch out over the shoulders, in a comfortable, wearable, interesting and attractive way. A necklace that could be worn in three different ways.
Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love and Beauty, the essence of Aphrodite's power was her ability to provoke desire. - Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Giuseppe D`Alonso, Aphrodite, 2022. Image #2: Photographer Giuseppe D`Alonso, Aphrodite, 2022. Image #3: Photographer Giuseppe D`Alonso, Aphrodite, 2022.
Image #4: Photographer Giuseppe D`Alonso, Aphrodite, 2022. Image #5: Photographer Giuseppe D`Alonso, Aphrodite, 2022.
Colors of Aphrodite Multifunctional Necklace
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