Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트 by Sirui Zhu

Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트 by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 철상 in 주얼리 디자인 Competition Category.

철주얼리· 2026

Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트

by Sirui Zhu

Client: Niutopia

A' Design Award 철상 Winner in 주얼리 Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트

'날개 아래의 속삭임(Whispers Under Wings)'은 딱정벌레 형태로 디자인된 목걸이 펜던트이다. 속이 빈 날개는 섬세한 투조 셸을 이루며, 그 안에 작은 요정이 매달려 있다. 착용자가 움직이면 내부의 요정이 흔들리며 종소리처럼 부드러운 울림을 만들어낸다. 이 펜던트는 디지털 모델링을 통해 개발되었으며, 로스트왁스 주조 방식으로 은을 사용해 제작한 뒤 수작업 마감과 폴리싱, 정밀한 조립 과정을 거쳤다. 작품의 크기는 20 x 40 x 15밀리미터이다. 딱정벌레는 보호와 변화, 회복력의 상징으로 사용되었으며, 움직이는 요정은 연약함과 상상력을 암시한다.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 철상

Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트, 이 작품은 A' Design Award 철상 수상작으로, 잘 디자인된 창작물에 기대되는 전문적·산업적 요건을 충족하는 좋은 디자인에 수여되는 권위 있는 인정입니다. 철상 수상작은 창작자의 뛰어난 기술, 높은 전문성, 전문가다운 이해, 창의적 역량을 보여 줍니다. Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트, 이 작품은 높이 평가받고 감탄과 사랑을 받는 창작물로서 실용적이고 혁신적일 것으로 기대됩니다. 이 철상 수상 디자인은 업계 모범 사례를 통합하며 노하우와 재능으로 연결된 유능한 기술적 특성을 갖추고 있습니다. Whispers Under Wings 목걸이 펜던트, 이 작품은 철저함으로 존중받으며 삶의 질을 개선하여 세상을 더 나은 곳으로 만들도록 디자인되었습니다.

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