Snowdrops Oorbellen by Adelina Brask is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award in IJzer in Sieradenontwerp Competition Category.

IJzerSieraden· 2024

Snowdrops Oorbellen

by Adelina Brask

Client: A.Brask

A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Sieraden Category

17,022

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #156198

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Snowdrops Oorbellen

Book Text: Snowdrops is een paar oorbellen geïnspireerd op de sneeuwklokje, een vroeg voorbode van de lente. Elke oorbel is 30 mm bij 10 mm groot, en de bloemkop meet ongeveer 10 mm bij 10 mm. De bloemblaadjes zijn gebogen en organisch van vorm, en blijven zo dicht mogelijk bij de natuurlijke bloem. De blaadjes zijn zandgestraald tot een satijnen afwerking die het oppervlak van de echte bloem oproept, terwijl de andere delen gepolijst zijn voor contrast. De oorbellen zijn handgemaakt van 925 sterling zilver vanuit een messing mal, en sommige delen zijn verguld met 18-karaats goud.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in IJzer

Snowdrops Oorbellen is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. Snowdrops Oorbellen wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. Snowdrops Oorbellen wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The design feature that most stands out is the 3 dimensionality of the jewelry, which makes the design delicate and the production challenging. The petals are curved and organic in shape and form, as close to the natural flower as possible. The finish of the petals is satin, which also mimics the natural surface of the petals of the real Snowdrop. The rest of earring is polished to give contrast to the matt satin look of the petals.
Dimensions & Packaging: The earrings measure 30 mm x 10 mm. The head of the flower is around 10 mm x 10 mm.
Tags: snowdrop, silver earrings, jewelry inspired by nature
Production Technology: The earrings are handmade in 925 Sterling silver, based on a brass mold. We use two different finishes and techniques for the surface: sand blasting and high gloss polishing.

Some parts of the earrings are then gold plated with 18kt gold.

Snowdrops are afterwards treated with proprietary nanocoating for longevity and tested for oxidation with proprietary ALPHA GOLD® testing.
Design Challenge: The most challenging part was finding the right producer with experience in handmade jewellery in Sterling silver, that also can execute a delicate design , with thin tail and with organic shaped petals.

The first trials failed as the earrings kept broking at the top of the flower head.

After several iterations we made a successful prototype, robust enough not to break but delicate in expression.
Research: We presented our preliminary drawing of the earrings to an online audience via Instagram, Facebook, and our newsletter. The feedback was very positive, with many followers expressing how the design emotionally resonated with them, reminding them of their mother's garden in springtime.
We then understood that this design is more than a jewelry and we decided to produce it in limited batch, which was sold out in 2h.
Inspiration: The Snowdrops are designed during a difficult time of the designers life when she struggled with depression. They represent the coming of spring and are seen as a symbol of spring joy and zest for life. To show this, the designer has chosen to leave the petals sharp and bristly.
Project Duration: The design process started in December 2022 in Copenhagen, Denmark and we launched the design online in February 2023.
Operation Flow: The earrings are easily inserted in the earlobe's hole. They adjust themself on the ear. If the petals of the flower are to wide open, you can gently press against them with the thumb to close them.
Team Members: Adelina Brask
Image Credits: Nike Nilsson photography