Whispers Under Wings कण्ठहारलम्बकम् by Sirui Zhu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award लौहपुरस्कारः in आभरण अभिकल्पना Competition Category.
लौहम्आभरणम्· 2026
Whispers Under Wings कण्ठहारलम्बकम्
by Sirui Zhu
Client: Niutopia
A' Design Award लौहपुरस्कारः Winner in आभरणम् Category
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The Design
About Whispers Under Wings कण्ठहारलम्बकम्
विस्पर्स् अण्डर् विङ्ग्स् इति भृङ्गाकारं कण्ठहारलम्बकम् अस्ति। रिक्तपक्षौ सूक्ष्मं जालरूपं कोशं रचयतः, यस्मिन् अन्तः लघुः प्रलम्बितः किन्नरः स्थितः। धारकस्य चलने अन्तःस्थः किन्नरः चलति मृदुं घण्टातुल्यं ध्वनिं च जनयति। इदं लम्बकं डिजिटल-प्रतिरूपणेन विकसितं, लुप्तमधूच्छिष्ट-ढालनविधिना रजतेन निर्मितं, ततः हस्तेन परिष्कृतं, मार्जितं, सावधानतया संयोजितं च। कृतिः विंशतिः चत्वारिंशत् पञ्चदश च मिलीमीटरपरिमाणा अस्ति। भृङ्गः रक्षायाः, परिवर्तनस्य, धैर्यस्य च प्रतीकरूपेण प्रयुक्तः, चलन् किन्नरः तु भङ्गुरतां कल्पनां च सूचयति।
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award लौहपुरस्कारः
Whispers Under Wings कण्ठहारलम्बकम् A' Design Award लौहपुरस्कारस्य विजेता अस्ति; इदं प्रतिष्ठितं मान्यताप्रदानं तेभ्य उत्तमेभ्योऽभिकल्पेभ्यो दीयते ये सुनिर्मितेभ्यः सृष्टिभ्योऽपेक्षिताः व्यावसायिकीः औद्योगिकीश्चावश्यकताः पूरयन्ति। लौहविजेतारः स्वनिर्मातॄणां महत् कौशलम्, उच्चां विशेषज्ञताम्, विशेषज्ञोचितां बोधशक्तिं सृजनसामर्थ्यं च प्रदर्शयन्ति। Whispers Under Wings कण्ठहारलम्बकम् अत्यन्तं मूल्यवती प्रशंसिता प्रिया च सृष्टिर्व्यावहारिका नवोन्मेषयुक्ता च भविष्यतीति प्रत्याशा क्रियते। A' Design Award लौहपुरस्कारं जितवद् एतद् अभिकल्पकार्यम् उद्योगस्य श्रेष्ठतमाः पद्धतीः समन्वयति ज्ञानेन प्रतिभया च संयुक्तानि सक्षमप्राविधिकलक्षणानि च धारयति। Whispers Under Wings कण्ठहारलम्बकम् स्वसूक्ष्मसमीक्षायाः कारणाद् आद्रियते जीवनस्तरसुधारम् अर्पयितुं च निर्मितम् अस्ति, यद् विश्वम् उत्तमतरं स्थानं कर्तुं साहाय्यं करोति।
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
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