Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award yn Izer in Sieraden Ûntwerp Competition Category.

IzerSieraden· 2026

Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

A' Design Award yn Izer Winner in Sieraden Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #180832

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger

Whispers Under Wings is in halskettinghanger yn de foarm fan in tuorre. De holle wjukken foarmje in fyn iepenwurke omhulsel dêr't in lyts sweevjend geastke yn hinget. As de drager beweecht, ferskoot it geastke fan binnen en makket in sêft, klokachtich lûd. De hanger is ûntwikkele mei digitale modellearring en yn sulver makke troch it getten mei ferlerne waaks, folge troch hânôfwurking, polearjen en soarchfâldige gearstalling. It stik mjit 20 by 40 by 15 millimeter. De tuorre wurdt brûkt as symboal fan beskerming, transformaasje en fearkrêft, wylst it bewegende geastke brekberens en ferbylding suggerearret.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Izer

Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Izer, in prestisjeuze erkenning foar goede ûntwerpen dy't foldogge oan de profesjonele en yndustriële easken dy't ferwachte wurde fan goed ûntwurpen skeppings. Izerwinners litte grutte feardigens, hege spesjalisaasje, deskundich begryp en kreatyf fermogen fan har makkers sjen. Fan Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige heech achte, bewûndere en dierbere skepping is dy't praktysk en ynnovatyf is. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Izer yntegrearret de bêste praktiken fan de sektor en hat feardige technyske skaaimerken ferbûn mei kennis en talint. Whispers Under Wings Halskettinghanger wurdt respektearre foar syn yngeandens en is ûntwurpen om ferbetteringen fan de kwaliteit fan it libben te leverjen dy't helpe de wrâld ta in bettere plak te meitsjen.

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