Midnight Garden Warkusqa, Phichaqa

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The burst of colours in the design emulate the free spirited nature of untamed flowers and wildlife. Throughout the piece, the ruby flowers peep through the sapphire blue night sky. The blossoming flowers and the night sky is framed by the crescent moon shape adorned with twisted leaf vines which transition into a peacock’s tail made up of oval cabochon sapphires and pear shaped emeralds. The dragonfly takes centre stage with its magnificent wings and complex details on the tail. A playful element is evident in the ruby clad beetle which is hidden underneath the centre garnet stone. The design also showcases movement through the hanging flowers embellished with small rubies. The centre garnet represents the soul of the garden alive and burning with passion.

Dimensions & Packaging

The height and width of the design are approximately 68 mm x 50 mm. The cushion cut centre Spessartine garnet is unheated and weighs a total of 32.80 carat. A plethora of other vibrant gemstones consist of 5.1ct of emeralds, 7.04ct of blue sapphires, 1.67ct of oval cabochon sapphires, 0.98ct pear shape Montana sapphire, 3.2ct of alexandrites, 2.58ct of rubies, and 0.3ct of diamonds.

Tags

CoutureJewellery, HighendJewellery, Mondselle, OriginalDesign, Brooch, Pendant, OneOfAKind, ArtJewellery, StatementJewellery, Garden, Dragonfly

Production Technology

In this design the use of modern 3D modelling and 3D wax printing combined with centuries-old lost wax casting and pave’ stone setting techniques by hand spotlight the alchemy of new and old traditions of jewellery making. Each component of the design was individually 3D modelled, cast in gold, hand polished, and assembled together into a final wearable piece. The piece consists of a total of 48 grams of 18k white and yellow gold set in centre Spessartine garnet (unheated) accented with rich compelling colours of precious sapphires, alexandrites, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds.

Design Challenge

To fit all the components of the theme of a “midnight garden” into one single piece of jewellery was the most difficult challenge of the design. I wanted the piece to manifest elements of what I imagine a beautiful garden would have - vibrant flowers, fruits, luscious green leaves, dragonflies, ladybugs, peacocks - while also trying to portray them at a specific time of the day - under a starry night sky. I have a background in fine arts and I like to treat the pieces of jewellery I design and create as a painting with multiple layers of colours and depth.

Research

With the dragonfly treated with the most amount of details in the design, I studied the movement and colours of the animal from my visit to the lakes and parks in Toronto. I also studied the anatomy of the dragonfly through online research tools in order to better render the form of the head, body, and tail. The unique style of stone setting apparent in the dragonfly's tail is the result of the careful analysis of the colour formation and larval body of the insect. Presenting myself in nature also allowed me to observe the interconnected nature of an ecosystem which I conveyed in the design through its many layers and components.

Inspiration

Midnight Garden is inspired by free flowing uninhabited gardens deep in the forest where vibrant flowers, wildlife, and foliage thrive maximally. To me the energy of the garden is at its most brilliant under a moonlit sky, when the insects can be heard the loudest and the plants grow the fastest. As I walk in, I imagine the dense emerald green foliage flanking the entry way on one side while the ruby red wisteria adorn the fringes of the garden. And in the ambient air, there comes a dragonfly meandering and leaving a trail of playful blue which fills the nighttime with exultation. High above, the vault of the sky shimmers in twinkling stars. This utopian garden encapsulates my wish for Burma, my home country, to be free and independent like the spirits of the animals and flowers blooming at its full state.

Project Duration

The development of the sketches of the design started in March of 2020 in Toronto and the final product was completed in September of 2020 in Toronto. The design process, from an idea to sketch, took about two months and the overall process of production of the piece including 3D prototyping and modifying took about 5 months. The jewellery piece has never been exhibited before.

Operation Flow

The design can be worn as either a necklace or a brooch. The bail for the chain is hidden behind the piece at the top. There is also a separate mechanism attached at the back to be worn as a brooch. Midnight Garden celebrates freedom and vibrancy through the idea of a full-fledged garden at its peak. Movement and energy is indicated in the wings of the butterflies, the flowing gold vines, and the swaying cluster of dazzling rubies.

Patents

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