Notre Dame Earrings by Cansu Turkdogan Simsek is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Bronze A' Design Award in Jewelry Design Competition Category.
BronzeJewelry· 2025
Notre Dame Earrings
Client: Cansui
Bronze A' Design Award Winner in Jewelry Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #166968The Design
About Notre Dame Earrings
The Notre Dame Earrings are part of the Bird's Eye Series, inspired by the symmetry of historical structures viewed from above. Made from 925 sterling silver, these earrings honor the Notre Dame Cathedral, capturing its intricate details in a refined yet bold design. The precise cutwork reflects the cathedral's Gothic patterns, merging history with expert craftsmanship. Measuring 33mm x 45mm, they make a statement while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Created using traditional jewelry-making techniques, the design embodies a balance of artistry and precision.
The Recognition
About the Bronze A' Design Award
Notre Dame Earrings is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Notre Dame Earrings is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Notre Dame Earrings splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.
Where to Get It
Handcrafted Sterling Silver Jewelry Collections
We create exquisite handcrafted jewelry using traditional techniques like ajour filigree. Our Mediterranean-inspired collections blend architectural precision with organic forms. Each sterling silver piece is ethically produced, telling a unique story for bold women who forge their own path.
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Grand Interview
Your innovative transformation of Notre Dame Cathedral's aerial view into wearable art has earned recognition with a Bronze A' Design Award - could you share the journey of how the Notre Dame Earrings evolved from architectural inspiration to finished jewelry piece?
The Notre Dame Earrings began as a moment of quiet observation. While studying aerial photographs of the cathedral, I was struck by how different its soul appeared from above — almost like a living geometry. From that perspective, Notre Dame felt less like a building and more like a breathing organism of history, symmetry, and faith.I started by sketching the silhouette based on the cathedral’s roof structure and flying buttresses. Then I abstracted those forms into filigree rhythms. Through many prototypes and hand-cut trials, the architectural essence slowly transformed into a wearable object. It was a journey from monument to intimacy — from stone to silver.
The Notre Dame Earrings showcase intricate hand-cut filigree patterns that capture the cathedral's Gothic architecture - what specific challenges did you face in translating such complex architectural details into a delicate yet durable sterling silver design?
The biggest challenge was balancing delicacy with strength. Gothic architecture is full of fine lines, sharp intersections, and layered depths — all beautiful, but difficult to reproduce in silver without weakening the structure.Each line had to be calculated not only aesthetically but structurally. Too thin, and it would break. Too thick, and it would lose its poetic lightness. I worked through multiple iterations, adjusting negative spaces and junction points until the piece could breathe visually while remaining durable for everyday wear.
As part of your Bird's Eye Series, the Notre Dame Earrings represent a unique intersection of historical architecture and contemporary jewelry - how does this piece specifically embody your philosophy of merging cultural heritage with modern aesthetics?
The Notre Dame Earrings embody my belief that heritage should not remain behind glass — it should live on the body.By reinterpreting a historic structure through minimal, contemporary lines, I aimed to translate memory into movement. The piece carries centuries of history, yet speaks in a modern visual language. This dialogue between past and present is central to my design philosophy: honoring tradition while allowing it to evolve.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- These earrings capture the majestic structure of Notre Dame through hand cut filigree patterns, emphasizing precision craftsmanship. Made from 925 sterling silver, the design features delicate yet bold elements, highlighting the cathedral's timeless aesthetics. The geometric composition not only reflects the historical silhouette but also brings a contemporary edge to classic forms.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Material: 925 Sterling Silver
Dimensions: 33 mm x 45 mm
Technique: Hand cut filigree
Packaging: Presented in a custom designed eco friendly box with a protective velvet pouch - Tags
- Notre Dame, The Bird's Eye Series, ajour technique, handcrafted jewelry, sterling silver, architectural inspiration, golden ratio, cultural heritage, elegant accessories, contemporary design
- Production Technology
- The earrings are entirely handcrafted using the ajour technique, also known as pierced metalwork. Each pattern is meticulously hand-cut, ensuring a unique and artisanal touch. Traditional metalworking techniques such as filing, polishing, and soldering are employed to enhance durability while maintaining the intricate details of the design.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of the Notre Dame design was translating the intricate aerial view of the historic Notre Dame church into a wearable piece while preserving its architectural essence. The creative challenge was achieving precise hand-cut details using the ajour technique. Limited access to detailed architectural references and the complexity of replicating proportional harmony posed obstacles. Balancing historical inspiration with modern production possibilities required meticulous craftsmanship and innovative problem solving.
- Research
- The Bird's Eye Collection was inspired by historical architectural plans. Research showed that many iconic structures follow the golden ratio, creating a strong visual impact. This study explored how symmetry and proportion shape aesthetics. Using historical analysis and visual studies, tools like architectural blueprints, aerial imagery, and design software were used. Expert insights helped transform architectural beauty into timeless jewelry.
- Inspiration
- The Notre Dame Earrings are part of the Bird's Eye Series, inspired by the aerial view of historical architecture worldwide. This piece is based on the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, capturing its intricate floor plan and geometric symmetry. Through detailed craftsmanship, the design pays tribute to Gothic architecture, transforming an architectural marvel into a wearable art piece
- Project Duration
- The first pieces of the Bird's eye Collection were exhibited in 2010. In 2017, the collection was revised with the addition of new designs. Over the years, this collection has continued to make a significant impact and remains timeless, maintaining its relevance and appeal without losing its originality
- Operation Flow
- The Notre Dame piece is a lightweight and elegant accessory that effortlessly enhances any outfit. Its intricate design reflects light beautifully, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect. The handcrafted details make it a unique and meaningful piece, connecting the wearer to the artistry and history it represents. Comfortable to wear and versatile for any occasion, Notre Dame combines timeless beauty with modern sophistication.
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to Cansu Türkdoğan, 2017.
- Team Members
- Cansu Türkdoğan Şimşek
- Image Credits
- Main Image #: Photographer Melih Kuzu, Muaj Agency Notre Dame Earrings, 2025.
Image #1: Photographer Melih Kuzu, Muaj Agency. Notre Dame Earrings, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer Nisa Saral, Muaj Agency. Notre Dame Earrings, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer Nisa Saral, Muaj Agency. Notre Dame Earrings, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer Nisa Saral, Muaj Agency. Notre Dame Earrings, 2025.
Video Credits: Videographer Özlem Özen, Designer, 2021.
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