Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau by Teodora Szabo Tonki

Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau by Teodora Szabo Tonki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Whakakai Competition Category.

ParahiWhakakai· 2026

Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau

by Teodora Szabo Tonki

Client: Viverté Jewellery

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Whakakai Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau

Ko Alilea Alba he mōwhiti taumau i whakaawea e ngā kanikani whakaipoipo a ngā manu o te pararaiha. Ko te hanganga pewa takirua e whakamaumahara ana ki ngā nekehanga parirau whakaharahara, ā, e whakapae ana i te kōhatu utu nui matua i roto i tētahi āhua tuwhera. I hangaia te mōwhiti ki te kōura mā 14k, ā, kua whakanohoia ki tētahi morganite tapahi-pea e 3.00 karati te taumaha me ngā taimana e 0.76 karati katoa. Ka whai ngā taimana whakanoho-pave i ngā rārangi kōpiko o te hanga. I whakawhanakehia te āhua mā te hoahoa me te tā 3D kia tino hangarite ai, ka whai ake ko te whakaoti ā-ringa āta mahia. I whakanohoia ngā kōhatu katoa i raro i te karu whakarahi kia tika ai.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a Alilea Alba Mōwhiti Taumau i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The rings structure echoes the sweeping wing gestures of birds of paradise, framing the morganite in a dynamic, open silhouette that suggests both movement and balance. Its dual arc form highlights the gemstone as the heart of the composition, while the pavé set diamonds enhance the sense of radiant motion. The design stands out through its sculptural elegance and symbolic expression of feminine grace.
Dimensions & Packaging: Width 22 mm x Depth 18,5 mm x Height 28 mm
Tags: biomimicry jewelry design, organic form ring, 3D jewelry design, micro-casting, hand stone setting, morganite engagement ring, contemporary high jewelry, bespoke fine jewelry
Production Technology: Crafted in 14k white gold, the ring features a pear cut 3,00 ct morganite and 0,76 ct of diamonds. The form was developed through 3D design and printing to achieve precise symmetry, followed by meticulous hand finishing. All stones were set under a microscope to ensure accuracy and refinement, merging traditional goldsmithing heritage with contemporary technical precision.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was distilling the fluid, expressive wing movements of birds-of-paradise into a refined, wearable form. Balancing the emotional intensity of courtship with the traditional expectations of an engagement ring required careful restraint. Technical limits of micro-casting and setting stones on curved, flowing shapes demanded multiple prototypes before achieving a form that felt both alive and enduring.
Research: This project is based on qualitative design research exploring how the courtship movements of South American birds-of-paradise could be translated into jewelry. Observation, sketches and 3D modeling were used to study motion and form, supported by videos and scientific sources. Several prototypes tested proportions and wearability. The final design captures the energy of a wingbeat, showing how natural gestures can inspire emotionally resonant, contemporary jewelry with real value for both design practice and client experience.
Inspiration: This design is inspired by the elegant courtship dances of birds of paradise, whose expressive wing movements mirror the rhythm and emotional intensity of passionate relationships. Their graceful arcs and unfolding gestures guided the silhouette of the piece, symbolising confidence, allure and the radiant strength of femininity. The result is a jewel that captures both motion and harmony in a contemporary, refined form
Project Duration: The piece for the competition was created in Szeged and took approximately three months to complete.
Operation Flow: The Alilea Alba ring is worn like a flowing sculpture that gently follows the hand’s movement. Its wing-like curves guide the eye toward the central morganite, creating a soft sense of motion without any mechanical parts. Light catches the stones differently with each gesture, making the ring feel alive. The interaction is simple yet expressive: the design enhances emotion through shifting reflections, giving the wearer a quiet, intimate sense of presence.
Team Members: Teodóra Szabó Tönki
Erneszt Szabó Tönki