Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Eisen in Schmuckdesign Competition Category.

EisenSchmuck· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

A' Design Award in Eisen Winner in Schmuck Category

4,883
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #180832

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger

Whispers Under Wings ist ein Halskettenanhänger in Form eines Käfers. Die hohlen Flügel bilden eine zarte, durchbrochene Hülle, die im Inneren eine kleine, frei aufgehängte Elfe birgt. Bewegt sich die Trägerin, verlagert sich die Elfe im Inneren und erzeugt einen sanften, glockenähnlichen Klang. Der Anhänger wurde mittels digitaler Modellierung entwickelt und im Wachsausschmelzverfahren in Silber gegossen, gefolgt von Handfinish, Politur und sorgfältiger Montage. Das Stück misst 20 mal 40 mal 15 Millimeter. Der Käfer steht als Symbol für Schutz, Wandlung und Widerstandsfähigkeit, während die bewegliche Elfe Zerbrechlichkeit und Vorstellungskraft andeutet.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Eisen

Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Eisen, einer prestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für gute Designs, die die beruflichen und industriellen Anforderungen erfüllen, die an gut gestaltete Schöpfungen gestellt werden. Eisen-Gewinner zeigen großes Können, hohe Spezialisierung, fachkundiges Verständnis und die kreative Kapazität ihrer Schöpfer. Von Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger wird erwartet, dass es eine hochgeschätzte, bewunderte und geliebte Schöpfung ist, die praktisch und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Eisen prämierte Design integriert bewährte Branchenverfahren und weist kompetente technische Merkmale in Verbindung mit Know-how und Talent auf. Whispers Under Wings Halskettenanhänger wird für seine Gründlichkeit geschätzt und ist darauf ausgelegt, Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität zu liefern, die dazu beitragen, die Welt zu einem besseren Ort zu machen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This pendant reimagines the beetle as a kinetic vessel of enchantment. The hollowed wings form a delicate architectural shell, encasing a suspended sprite that moves freely within. As the wearer moves, the inner fairy gently shifts, producing a clear, bell-like resonance. The design merges sculptural precision with interactive sound, transforming jewelry into a living, sensory experience defined by motion, lightness, and subtle acoustic presence.
Dimensions & Packaging: 20mm x 40mm x 15mm, silver weight 18.1g
Tags: Fairy, Beetle, Necklace, Niutopia
Production Technology: The design was developed through digital modeling to precisely define the hollow structure and internal suspension system. Using lost-wax casting, the beetle form was translated into metal while preserving fine openwork details. The inner sprite element was fabricated and integrated through a concealed kinetic mounting. Final processes included hand finishing, polishing, and careful assembly to ensure balanced movement and acoustic clarity.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was developing a hollow structure that could securely contain the inner sprite while allowing it to move freely and produce sound. The internal spacing had to be carefully adjusted to prevent obstruction while maintaining stability. Achieving the right balance between structural strength and visual lightness required multiple prototypes. Special attention was given to suspension, weight distribution, and assembly to ensure both durability and consistent kinetic response.
Research: The design was influenced by the forests of Vancouver, where close observation of insects, organic structures, and natural movement sparked imaginative exploration. Sketching and prototyping were used to study how a protective outer form could contain a delicate inner presence. Special attention was given to creating a hollow structure that allows internal movement while maintaining stability. Through iterative testing, the relationship between protection, motion, and sound was refined, resulting in a piece that reflects the quiet vitality and mystery of nature.
Inspiration: The design is inspired by the beetle, a symbol of protection, transformation, and resilience. By envisioning the beetle as a living vessel, the piece explores the idea of an inner spirit sheltered within a structured exterior. The suspended sprite represents fragility and imagination, while the hollow wings suggest permeability rather than enclosure. Movement and sound become metaphors for presence, reminding the wearer that life, even when protected, remains dynamic and responsive.
Project Duration: The project stated in December 2025 in Vancouver and finished in January 2026.
Operation Flow: The pendant comes to life through the wearer’s movement. As the body shifts, the small inner sprite gently moves within the hollow beetle form, creating a soft, bell-like sound. This subtle motion transforms the piece from a static object into a responsive presence. The interaction is intuitive and continuous, allowing the wearer to experience the jewelry not only visually, but through sound and movement.
Team Members: Sirui Zhu
Image Credits: Image#1: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#2: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#3: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#4: Photographer Sirui Zhu
Image#5: Photographer Sirui Zhu