Midnight Tide Necklace

Press Kit

Unique Properties

To realize the artistic vision, the neckpiece consists of 79 meticulously modeled units, each cast to fulfill specific functions, resembling the distinctive shapes of human bones. Inspired by body ligaments, these units interconnect through an original linkage mechanism that delivers curated tension and choreographed movement. The combination engineers a textural unity that is simultaneously resilient and agile.

Dimensions & Packaging

125mm x 3mm x 195mm

Tags

Bespoke jewellery, Necklace, Diamond neckpiece, Exquisite craftsmanship, Serenity, Artistic expression

Production Technology

Diamond inlaid 18ct White Gold, individually modelled and cast with 3D printing techniques that interconnect through an original linkage mechanism. Relentless trial and error and countless prototyping culminated in the final engineering of the structure.

Design Challenge

In order to achieve visual harmony and convey the intended artistic vision, the neckpiece required specific qualities in terms of texture, color, and reflection. The desired movement is achieved by meticulously crafting each individual unit with subtle variations. This involved a precise and laborious process of manipulating the hardened 18ct Gold wires in order to control the angle, direction, and extent of joint movements, similar to the way ligaments function in the human body. The goal was to attain a universal balance across all units and joints, which required significant effort and attention to detail.

Project Duration

Starting April 2022 during the 2 month city-wide lockdown in Shanghai, and finished in January 2023, Shanghai.

Operation Flow

The design process originated from the shaping of the piece that was completed within one sitting. The artist then came up with different structures to combine and separate the materials in order to achieve the fluidity and strength of the shaping. Each unit was prototyped, assembled, and recast with precise adjustment. After more than 10 types of structural redesign and finishing, the joint movements were individually fine-tuned by hands to enable desired movements multi-dimensionally.

Research

Visual qualities: Inspired by oceanic movements and tidal imageries, artist made pencil studies and observations that progressed seamlessly from figurative sketching to the finalized abstract form.
Engineering: The adult human body comprises 206 individual bones, each with a unique shape and function in facilitating movement. The engineering of this neckpiece is influenced by the anatomical structure of body joints.

Inspiration

The neckpiece crystallizes the inner serenity to which the artist is drawn. The piece is reminiscent of the frothy ebbs of midnight tides, draping effortlessly over one's shoulder: mimicking the fluidity of a wave caressing down the coastline, imbuing the pulse of the ocean into the wearer's very being.

Image Credits

Image No.1-5: Mo Zhou
Video: Lin Zhu
Copyrighting: Simone Zhang

Colors of Midnight Tide Necklace

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