Subsidence Jewelry Dikgabiso by Akhil Mane

Subsidence Jewelry Dikgabiso by Akhil Mane is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award in Moralo wa Mekgabiso Competition Category.

TšepeMekgabiso· 2025

Subsidence Jewelry Dikgabiso

by Akhil Mane

Client: National Institute of Design

Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award Winner in Mekgabiso 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 Dikgabiso

E entswe ka thepa e fumanweng ka mokhoa o nepahetseng wa boitshwaro, pokello ena e ikgethang ya dikgabiso e tsoseletsa temohisiso ka ho theoha ha mobu. Sekoahelo sa koporo se sa lekanang se etsisa sefahleho sa Lefatshe se phatlaletsweng, ha dikarolo tsa motswako di emela tshusumetso e fihlang botebong. Moralo ona o loketseng mmele, o hopotsang dikaho tsa lefatshe, o emela ka ponalo dikarolo tse fapaneng tsa mobu, e leng kgopotso e matla ya ditlamorao tsa mesebetsi ya batho. Pokello ena e matlafatsa baapari hore e be bareki ba temohileng le baemedi ba bokamoso bo tsitsitseng.

The Recognition

About the Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award

Subsidence Jewelry Dikgabiso ke mohapi oa Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award, kananelo e hlomphehang e fuoang meralo e metle e finyellang litlhoko tsa porofeshenale le tsa indasteri tse lebelletsoeng ho lintho tse hlahisitsoeng tse entsoeng hantle. Bahapi ba Tšepe ba bontša bokhoni bo boholo, bokhethehi bo phahameng, kutloisiso ea litsebi le bokhoni ba boqapi ba baqapi ba bona. Subsidence Jewelry Dikgabiso e lebelletsoe ho ba ntho e hlahisitsoeng e hlomphuoang haholo, e ratoang le e ratehang, e sebetsang le e nang le mehopolo e mecha. Moralo ona o hapileng Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award o kenyelletsa mekhoa e metle ka ho fetesisa ea indasteri mme o na le litšobotsi tsa theknoloji tse nang le bokhoni tse amanang le tsebo le talenta. Ka lebaka la botlalo ba eona, Subsidence Jewelry Dikgabiso e tšoanelehela tlhompho mme e entsoe ho fana ka ntlafatso ea bophelo e thusang ho etsa hore lefatše le be sebaka se molemo.

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