Subsidence Jewelry Nakit by Akhil Mane is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Železna nagrada A' Design Award in Oblikovanje nakita Competition Category.

ŽeleznaNakit· 2025

Subsidence Jewelry Nakit

by Akhil Mane

Client: National Institute of Design

Železna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Nakit Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Subsidence Jewelry Nakit

Izdelana iz etično pridobljenih materialov, ta edinstvena kolekcija nakita ozavešča o posedanju tal. Neravna bakrena zunanjost posnema razpokano površino Zemlje, medtem ko plasti iz medenine simbolizirajo vpliv, ki seže do jedra. Ta ergonomska zasnova, ki spominja na geološke formacije, vizualno predstavlja različne plasti prsti in služi kot močan opomnik na posledice človekove dejavnosti. Kolekcija opolnomoča nosilce, da postanejo zavedni potrošniki in zagovorniki bolj trajnostne prihodnosti.

The Recognition

About the Železna nagrada A' Design Award

Subsidence Jewelry Nakit je prejemnik Železne nagrade A' Design Award, prestižnega priznanja, ki se podeljuje dobrim oblikovanjem, ki izpolnjujejo profesionalne in industrijske zahteve, pričakovane od dobro zasnovanih stvaritev. Prejemniki Železne nagrade kažejo veliko spretnost, visoko specializacijo, strokovno razumevanje in ustvarjalne zmožnosti svojih ustvarjalcev. Od Subsidence Jewelry Nakit se pričakuje, da bo visoko cenjena, občudovana in ljubljena stvaritev, ki je praktična in inovativna. To oblikovanje, nagrajeno z Železno nagrado A' Design Award, vključuje najboljše prakse panoge in ima kompetentne tehnične lastnosti, povezane s strokovnim znanjem in talentom. Zaradi svoje temeljitosti si Subsidence Jewelry Nakit zasluži spoštovanje in je zasnovan tako, da zagotavlja izboljšave kakovosti življenja, ki pomagajo narediti svet boljši kraj.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The collection is a unique line of jewelry designed to spark conversation and raise awareness about the environmental issue of land subsidence. Inspired by this natural phenomenon, the pieces are ingeniously crafted from ethically sourced, recyclable metals and statement piece that reflect the subtle beauty of the earth's delicate balance.
Dimensions & Packaging: Ethically sourced and unlacquered brass and copper metal, Neckpiece:269mm, Armlet:172mm, finger Ring:67mm diax18mm
Tags: Sustainability, Non-precious Jewelry, Environmental Awareness, Unconventional Jewelry, Conscious Consumer
Production Technology: The collection, made from brass and copper metal plates, was initially prototyped through meticulous handcrafting and cutting techniques. However, for mass production, we plan to implement laser cutting technology to optimize the manufacturing process. Laser cutting will allow for precision in shaping the metal sheets, significantly reducing material wastage and ensuring uniformity across each piece. This advanced production method will not only streamline the process but also make it more sustainable by maximizing resource efficiency. The switch to laser cutting will ensure scalability while maintaining the intricate details and quality of the handcrafted prototypes.
Design Challenge: The creative challenge of this project lay in translating a complex environmental issue—land subsidence—into a compelling and wearable form of jewelry that would resonate with consumers. The research challenge involved not only ensuring scientific accuracy but also making the concept approachable and meaningful through design. Balancing aesthetics with a powerful message was crucial, as the jewelry needed to be visually appealing while also serving as a conversation starter about environmental sustainability. Additionally, the challenge extended to sourcing ethical materials and developing sustainable production methods, ensuring that the creation of the jewelry aligned with the collection's environmental values.
Research: Crafted with precision and a commitment to sustainability, the Subsidence Jewellery collection is a unique line of adornments designed to raise awareness about the pressing environmental issue of land subsidence. Each piece, meticulously crafted from ethically sourced, recyclable materials, serves as a tangible reminder of the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.
Its ergonomic yet uneven, fractured copper exterior mimics the earth's cracked and uneven surface. Delving deeper, brass layers depict the descent, symbolizing the impact that travels beyond the surface, affecting the Earth's core.
This design, reminiscent of geological formations, utilizes contrasting copper and brass to visually represent the varying soil strata, all serving as a stark reminder of the unseen consequences of human activity.
The collection's thoughtfully designed elements foster a deeper connection with the environmental challenges facing our planet, inspiring wearers to take conscious action and become advocates for a more sustainable future.
Inspiration: The collection draws inspiration from the pressing environmental issue of land subsidence, a phenomenon caused by the over-exploitation of groundwater, leading to the gradual sinking of land. This jewelry serves as a symbolic reminder of the consequences of human activity on the natural world, highlighting the fragile balance we share with our environment.
Project Duration: The Project started in March 2024 in India and finished in April 2024, and was part of Design India show- Student Category in August 2024.
Operation Flow: It is crafted from non-precious metals, embodies a powerful message of environmental awareness. Each piece becomes more than just an adornment; it serves as a tangible reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. The wearer, by choosing this jewelry, becomes a conscious consumer, actively participating in a movement towards sustainability. The collection's design, incorporating elements that respond to the wearer's environment or link to educational resources, encourages deeper engagement and awareness of the issue of land subsidence. In essence, these pieces are not merely objects of beauty, but catalysts for positive change.
Team Members: Akhil Mane
Image Credits: #1: The ring reflects the instability of sinking land
Photographer: Yash Bopche Model: Jayana Shah, #2: Through adornment, action for a sustainable future Photographer: Yash Bopche Model: Jayana Shah, #3 Maintaining harmony with nature Photographer: Yash Bopche Model: Jayana Shah, #4 The interconnectedness Photographer: Yash Bopche Model: Jayana Shah, #5 Cautionary tale Photographer: Yash Bopche Model: Jayana Shah