Interviews med Esra Erciyes

Secret of Eternity” was designed inspired by Turritopsis Dohrnii, the immortal jellyfish. This design, which expresses the infinite cycle of life, uses a continuous rotating form that reflects the jellyfish’s graceful movements.

LED lights were preferred to reflect the mesmerizing color transitions. These lights symbolically refer to a future where diamonds may no longer be found. Still, diamonds, which have an eternal life, were included in the design. Natural and technological elements were combined to create a design of the future.

It is planned that in the future, the motion and LED light energy will be powered by solar energy

In this design, I imagined creating the illusion of movement and finding a different path in jewelry. I wanted it to be more than just a piece of jewelry — I envisioned it as a work of art carried on the human body.

Additionally, I aimed to express the harmony between nature and humanity through this piece.

I truly believe that this design is a pioneering step that will inspire future jewelry creations. To me, a design is never just an ornament.It is a reflection of our perspective on the world, the way we express ourselves, and the energy we carry. With this piece, I wanted to explore how we can approach a piece of jewelry from an entirely new perspective. In the future, I plan to develop a full collection based on this concept and of course, it will be powered by nature itself: the sun.

The design itself took almost six months to complete, and production took another six months. It was definitely a challenging dream to realize, but I’m so happy it came true.

I wanted to show that all the answers mankind seeks in its pursuit of eternal life can actually be found in nature. With the illusion I created, I aimed to transform the piece into a visual feast and design a piece of jewelry unlike anything done before. Secret Of Eternity was conceived as a design of the future. I envision the future in a functional and unconventional way

I wanted to design a mesmerizing piece of jewelry—one that tells a story and captivates with its visual allure.

Right now, I can imagine this design being worn at an award ceremony or becoming part of a film’s storyline. It’s a truly special piece of jewelry.

Its story, the lights, and the visual illusion it creates are all part of what makes this piece unique. This jewelry gracefully imitates a living creature. It reflects life, breathing, and eternity with elegance.

I gave the name 'Secret Of Eternity' to tell the story of eternal life and the secret of immortality of the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii, which has eternal life

It is completely unique in itself.

Definitely, I produced this design with Yön Jewelry Company, based in Istanbul, Turkey, and they supported me greatly in this process. They brought my dream design to life. Working with a strong perspective was quite special. I believe you cannot create such a design with just anyone. Since today’s jewelry tends to be more static and conventional, working with the right company and a team that understands you was amazing for me.

Actually, I received an email from A’Design Award after they saw my design. They recommended and encouraged me to submit such a strong design to the competition. That’s how I decided to participate. The story of 'Secret Of Eternity' already reflects a miracle of nature. This miracle deserved to be recognized internationally. I wanted to contribute to that recognition with this design.

I thought it was impossible in the design. I learned that it is actually possible.

Design has been a part of me since childhood. I’ve always enjoyed combining things with one another and using them in different contexts from unique perspectives. Design existed in my life even outside of formal education—I learned design by actually designing. I created works in fashion textile pattern design, architectural and interior design, even though these fields were outside my formal training. However, I worked professionally for many years in textile printing and pattern design. Later, driven by my passion for three-dimensional design, I decided to study jewelry. I received my education at Dokuz Eylül University in Jewelry and Accessory Design, and at Altınbaş University’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Design in Jewelry Design with a full scholarship. I also studied accessory design, sculpture, and mosaic in Italy at Academia di Belle Arti L’Aquila through the Erasmus program, again on a full scholarship.

My motivation comes from the happiness I find in discovering new things.

Creating and seeing from different angles keeps me inspired.

I guess it's the act of discovering new things that makes this world feel mysterious and captivating.

Design has no limits, and I’ve had the opportunity to explore it in many fields.

Right now, I’m on a journey of self-discovery in the world of jewelry.

Futuristic designs attract me, but I believe in staying connected to timeless classics.

For me, it’s essential to create designs that build a bridge between the past and the future.

Every design is a story. It feels to me that without our own story, we don't have our own design. You must have something to tell. Design is the way to express what you see through your own eyes and what you feel

A good designer meets expectations, a great designer finds a way beyond what you expected.

I believe that there is a place where the designer is silent, and the design speaks. That design only tells this, and those who look at it feel it

Design is the work of the future. Some things done ahead of their time cannot be understood before their time comes. Design is art. And art tells the story of the future. Investing in art is actually investing in tomorrow. A good design lives forever.

If I had the opportunity, I would love to design story-specific jewelry for truly good films. Because true design is limitless. The more you limit it, the less it remains a design.

A good design cannot be created by looking at other designs.

Rene Lalique

Secret of Eternity” speaks a visual language uniquely its own in the world of jewelry. It offers a dreamlike illusion, evoking the feeling of organic life — a jewel that breathes, that carries a soul. Inspired by the graceful movements of a jellyfish, it gently reveals this elegance to us. And when it meets the human body, it transforms into a heartbeat — into the rhythm of life itself. I imagine a day when it draws energy from the sun, alive even in its silence. The LED lights do more than reflect the brilliance and life essence of the jewel — they create a captivating spectacle in the dark, as if the piece itself is dreaming.I would like to thank Yön Kuyumculuk and Sinan Yön for believing in my dreams and supporting me in the production of this design.

I realize that I truly evolve when I remove boundaries, break down categories, and transcend definitions. Because sometimes, it's when you forget what you know that new things can be said.

If I weren't a designer, I would have pursued painting or writing; in any case, I would have been involved with art.

Design is art. Art is the search for a language that defines all physical and emotional experiences, all senses and feelings in this world. And I believe those who find this language have a "Seventh Sense" that creates art.

The supporter of man is first his efforts and then Allah. Therefore, I thank Allah for supporting me in my inspirations.

Design was a part of me that I discovered in my childhood. I enjoyed combining things with one another and using them from different perspectives in various contexts. Sometimes, when I encountered a small problem and found a solution, I also thought that the solution should be visually appealing. That’s when I realized that life itself is made up of design and discovery. Design existed in my life outside of formal education, and in fact, I received my design education through the act of designing itself. Textile pattern design in the field of fashion, architectural design of houses, and interior design were all creative outputs I produced beyond my academic training. My passion for creating and discovering new things is what made me a designer.

At the moment, I don’t have a studio of my own,I work as a freelancer. I’m planning to open a studio in the near future. However, what I truly dream of is having a studio that inspires and energizes people. That’s why I believe design is everywhere.

Design is a way of conveying emotions and thoughts in the most effective way. Sometimes it solves a problem, and other times it tells a story or expresses a concern.

I enjoy functional creativity, in a way, I have an inventor side. Alongside that, I love designing jewelry that can sometimes be bold, glamorous, and elegant, and other times delicate and refined.

I prepared the "Star Collection" for the collection competition of Altınbaş Jewelry Company, one of Turkey’s most prestigious jewelry firms. Since this was my first collection to be produced, I named it "A Star Story." This collection, consisting of 10 pieces, was deemed suitable for production. It included necklace-earring sets, earrings, rings, and bracelets.

When I encounter a problem, it often turns into a design or functional solution. In fact, sometimes the problem itself becomes the source of inspiration.

I feel the extraordinariness of inspiration.

Functionality and aesthetics.

I definitely see the future of design as functional and emotional designs. Although there is currently a rise in Artificial Intelligence designs, I don’t think AI will fully cater to us end-to-end unless humans identify the functional problems. Even if they respond functionally, I believe that the real designers guiding AI will carry the flag of design in terms of ideas and emotions.

My source of design and inspiration is definitely nature and the sacredness of the miracle of creation.

Primarily, I create broad jewelry collections by developing stories with companies, or I work within the company alongside the design team to create new collections through a hybrid working system, also observing production processes. This flexible approach allows me to meet different project needs while maintaining a high level of creativity and precision.

Every aspect of life has its codes. Design also has a code, and it is hidden in nature.

The positive side of being a designer is that it allows you to appreciate yourself. The tiring part, however, is the uncertainty you experience from the thought phase to the final formation — constantly having to prove yourself with every design by truly creating something new or discovering that idea. Design means aesthetics and functionality, and sometimes you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of your own mind.

If I am to speak specifically about jewelry and accessory design, I currently do not study existing designs. Because that puts me into a mold. If you are designing jewelry, you cannot draw inspiration from other jewelry or accessories; if you do, it becomes mere imitation.

Versatility and engaging with many disciplines.

Before starting a design, I research that field from every possible source. Then come ideas and thoughts, pencil and paper. Sometimes wires and other materials as well.

I do the design myself, but a team is definitely necessary for the production part.

website : https://esraerciyes.com/

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Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/esra-erciyes-jewelry-designer04b53780/

In the design of “The Secret of Infinity”, my aim was not merely to create a piece of jewelry, but to make visible the essence of life that constantly transforms and is reborn within itself. When I discovered the immortality cycle of the Turritopsis Dohrnii jellyfish, its graceful and rhythmic movements offered me a metaphor that expresses the continuity of life. To translate this movement into jewelry form, I combined light, mechanical systems, and the flow of form.During the design process, the light of the LED illumination was orchestrated to merge with the permeability of the metal, evoking the jellyfish’s inner glow. The mechanical system was synchronized with a breathing, pulsating rhythm, much like the contraction and relaxation of living tissue. Throughout the transition from drawing to prototype, I conducted numerous technical experiments; at each stage, I sought to capture both aesthetic balance and nature’s perfect cycle. As a result, what emerged was not merely a piece to be worn, but a living piece of jewelry that interacts with time itself.

In this design, the transformable form was born from a desire to reflect the ever-changing nature of life itself. The foundation of “The Secret of Infinity” lies in the idea that nothing in nature is static — everything is in a constant state of transformation. The transition from necklace to brooch symbolizes this cycle, representing continuous renewal.At the same time, I wanted to offer the wearer a sense of freedom. The jewelry’s ability to shift form allows it to be redefined according to one’s mood, style, and moment. The brooch form creates a more direct connection with the human body; when worn near the heart, the mechanical movement mirrors the rhythm of the human heartbeat.Through this connection, the design not only reflects the life cycle of the jellyfish but also embodies the rhythm of human life and the unity between nature and humankind.By transforming nature into a wearable form, it allows it to live and move with the person who wears it. In this way, the jewelry becomes not merely an adornment, but a piece that breathes with its wearer — merging the human body with the living essence of nature.

This design was born as a rebellion against the disbelief and fear of creativity that often exist in traditional jewelry making. My unconventional ideas were frequently dismissed, and The Secret of Infinity became my response — a statement proving that any idea can be realized when approached with enough vision and determination.Of course, the vision and belief of the craftsmen you work with are just as important as the idea itself. In this sense, I was truly fortunate. Sinan Bey and Recep Bey from Yön Jewelry wholeheartedly believed in my concept and supported me throughout the process. Thanks to their faith, what once seemed impossible became reality.The coexistence of LED light, mechanical movement, and a delicate form pushed far beyond the boundaries of conventional jewelry craftsmanship. Yet for me, this piece was not merely an aesthetic pursuit, but a process of redefining what “impossible” means.Throughout countless technical trials and prototype experiments, I persisted. Each failed attempt revealed a new way to make the system more efficient, lighter, and more harmonious. Designing a motorized mechanism on a jewelry scale, balancing the interaction between LED light and metal, and concealing the entire system beneath an elegant surface required patience and deep technical intuition.Ultimately, this journey taught me that design is not just an idea — it is a process built through faith and perseverance. In that sense, The Secret of Infinity became both a technical achievement and a manifesto of creation through belief.

In this design, I chose 18-karat gold for technical reasons; its durability and workability made it compatible with the mechanical system and LED lighting. My goal was to unite technology with craftsmanship to achieve a softer and more fluid form.

When designing The Secret of Infinity, I was inspired by the nature of Turritopsis Dohrnii, a jellyfish that represents the cycle of life. For me, using a sustainable energy source was a natural continuation of this concept. From the very beginning, I envisioned the piece to be powered by solar energy, because I believe that life should draw its strength not from external sources, but from nature itself.However, today’s jewelry industry still operates within limited technical boundaries, and it was not possible to access the necessary resources and expertise for solar integration. Therefore, I temporarily adapted the idea to a battery system. Yet my true intention was for the jewelry, just like nature itself, to generate its own energy — to be self-sustaining and alive.For me, sustainability is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a way of redefining design with a consciousness that respects nature. A solar-powered mechanism would have turned this jewelry into a living organism — one that breathes, feeds on light, and continues its own rhythm.At its core, this design serves as a reminder to humanity, which so often ignores the power of nature. The greatest designer is, in truth, Allah — and it is our role to recognize the strength within His creation and draw inspiration from it. In this sense, The Secret of Infinity stands as a statement about embracing the potential of the world we are given, challenging perceived limits, and transforming what seems impossible into reality.

While shaping the form of “The Secret of Infinity”, I wanted to make the rhythm of the human body and the inner cycle of life visible. The placement of the design around the carotid artery in a half-circle shape is no coincidence; this area carries the heartbeat — the very vibration of life.With this placement, I aimed to transform the jewel from a mere ornament into a form of bodily awareness. Having light and movement where the heart beats allows the life energy to become visible.At the same time, this position symbolizes the cyclical connection between humans and nature — because everything begins and ends with that single pulse. “The Secret of Infinity” expresses the continuity of life and the rhythm of existence by merging with the human body.

In “The Secret of Infinity,” I used the ajour technique not merely as decoration but as a structural language. It allowed light to pass through the metal, creating both lightness and visual depth, while revealing the inner rhythm of the design.This traditional method became a bridge between craftsmanship and modern technology — carving out the metal was not about removing material, but about creating space for light and energy to flow. In this way, the piece transformed into a form that breathes and feels alive.

Winning the Platinum A’ Design Award with this piece carries an important message for the future of wearable art and technological jewelry.With “Secret of Eternity,” what I wanted to express is that jewelry is no longer merely an aesthetic object; it can become a living entity — one that unites light, movement, energy, form, and emotion within the human body.In the coming era, jewelry design will be shaped by the questions: “How much does it live, how much does it make us feel, and how much meaning does it carry?”Because jewelry is no longer just something that adorns the body — it’s something that communicates with it, synchronizes with its rhythm, and merges with nature, technology, and the human spirit.In technological jewelry, micro light systems, minimal motor mechanisms, and sustainable energy sources will increasingly take place.Yet beyond technical innovation, designs with emotional and philosophical depth — those that question existence itself — will come to the forefront.With “Secret of Eternity,” I believe this approach will encourage the bold exploration of ideas once deemed “impossible” and expand both the technical and conceptual boundaries of jewelry art.This award, in that sense, marks the beginning of a new era.

This piece was born from a desire to unite the poetry of the past with the mystery of the future.The Art Nouveau influence represents the flowing lines and organic harmony of nature — for me, it symbolizes the unity between human and nature, expressing the continuous rhythm of life.Surrealism, on the other hand, inspired me with its courage to make the invisible visible — allowing me to transform subconscious imagery, symbols, and intuition into a tangible form.The fusion of these movements gave the design both emotional and conceptual depth.However, I didn’t want to leave this visual language in the past; I wanted to build a bridge that carries it into the future.That’s why I integrated futuristic elements such as light, mechanical motion, and energy within organic forms.In this way, “Secret of Eternity” creates a timeless narrative — balancing the artistic sensitivity of the past with the technological potential of the future.

While designing “The Secret of Infinity,” I realized that the future of jewelry will no longer be defined solely by material, gemstone, or form — but by emotion, experience, and interaction.The design process showed me that technology, when approached with the right intention, doesn’t weaken the soul of design; it can actually make it deeper and more meaningful. Jewelry is no longer just an object to be worn — it becomes a living entity that tells its story through light, movement, and energy.I believe the jewelry of the future will no longer make us ask “How valuable does it look?”, but rather “How alive is it, how much does it make us feel, and how much meaning does it carry?”