Silver Jewelry Design · 2026
Iran Bracelet
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Taj
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,322
- Verification code 4343D04EA6 · Verify this award
About Iran Bracelet
Iran is a bracelet inspired by the architectural heritage of Iran. Seventeen monuments from different cities and eras are abstracted and joined into one continuous form. The bracelet is crafted in solid yellow gold and is produced in three sizes. A concealed spring-loaded tongue clasp with double grooves is hidden in the form of the Shahrdari building in Rasht, while the hinge is placed in the Karim Khan Citadel in Shiraz. Pressing the small building releases the latch. The proportions were defined for comfort and balance, so cultural memory can be worn each day.
This extraordinary work of contemporary jewelry design, created by Mersa Habibi and recognized with a Silver A' Design Award in 2026, represents a sophisticated meditation on cultural memory, architectural heritage, and the intimate relationship between monumental structures and personal adornment. The designer demonstrates exceptional technical facility in translating the grand scale of architectural landmarks into a wearable circumference, achieving remarkable fidelity of form while maintaining the organic flow essential to comfortable jewelry. The piece participates in venerable traditions of commemorative and souvenir jewelry, yet transcends mere memento through its ambitious scope and unified aesthetic vision, presenting an entire architectural panorama rather than isolated monuments. The monochromatic gold treatment serves both practical and poetic purposes, unifying disparate architectural styles into coherent visual harmony while evoking the precious materiality historically associated with treasured objects and sacred spaces. Compositionally, the work rewards extended contemplation, revealing different architectural narratives as the eye travels around the circumference, discovering bridges, towers, domes, and geometric monuments in careful counterpoint. The choice of the bracelet form carries particular resonance, creating an embrace of heritage around the wearer's body, transforming cultural patrimony into intimate daily companion. Technical achievement manifests in the resolution of tiny architectural details, the successful integration of dramatically different building typologies, and the maintenance of structural integrity despite the openwork design. The work invites viewers to consider how we carry cultural identity, how monumental public architecture becomes personal talisman, and how the circle as eternal form speaks to the continuity of cultural traditions across generations.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The “Iran Bracelet” embodies the timeless grandeur of Iran, a legacy unchanged from the Achaemenids to modern icons. Seventeen monuments from different eras and cities reflect the authentic vision of unity in diversity under the greater identity of Iran. Hidden clasps and hinges ensure strength, comfort, and seamless beauty. By merging cultural storytelling with refined engineering, the bracelet becomes a wearable emblem of heritage, identity, and pride.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Iran Bracelet is produced in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. The Medium size has the following dimensions: internal major diameter 60 mm, internal minor diameter 50 mm, and bracelet width 14 mm. These proportions were carefully defined to ensure ergonomic comfort and aesthetic balance.
- Tags
- Iran bracelet, Persian jewelry, narrative design, cultural heritage design, unity in diversity, Iranian monuments, gold bracelet, hidden clasp jewelry, symbolic jewelry, contemporary heritage
- Production Technology
- The Iran Bracelet was created through a synthesis of extensive cultural research and design innovation. Architectural references from seventeen monuments across different eras and cities were abstracted and unified in a single form. Initial sketches were transformed into precise 3D CAD models to ensure balance and proportion. Special attention was given to ergonomics so the piece remains both elegant and comfortable. Crafted in solid yellow gold, it reflects durability, refinement, and respect for heritage.
- Design Challenge
- The greatest challenge of the Iran Bracelet was transforming a vast cultural narrative and monumental architecture into a unified, wearable form without losing authenticity. Balancing the symbolic richness of seventeen monuments with minimal contemporary aesthetics demanded extensive research. Technically, the most difficult task was miniaturizing these structures and hiding clasps and hinges within them while preserving strength and usability. Achieving harmony between meaning, ergonomics, and engineering precision was the main obstacle overcome.
- Project Duration
- The Iran Bracelet project started in March 2024 in Tehran, Iran, and was completed in June 2025. The process included multiple ideation phases, extensive cultural research, initial sketches, 3D CAD modeling, and technical refinements to ensure ergonomic comfort and flawless engineering.
- Operation Flow
- The bracelet uses a concealed spring-loaded tongue clasp with double grooves for security. The clasp is hidden in the Shahrdari building (Rasht) and the hinge in the Karim Khan Citadel (Shiraz). To open, the user presses the Shahrdari building, releasing the latch. After wearing, the tongue is inserted into the housing and with slight pressure locks smoothly, ensuring ergonomic comfort, uninterrupted flow, and cultural symbolism.
- Research
- The research was cultural-historical, aiming to translate Iran’s architectural diversity into a unified jewelry form. Methods combined literature review, archival study, and site analysis. Data came from 17 monuments, processed with sketches and 3D CAD tools. Designers and engineers collaborated in modeling and prototyping. Results proved the feasibility of miniaturizing architecture. Insights showed cultural symbolism enhances identity and emotional value, impacting both society and market acceptance.
- Inspiration
- The “Iran Bracelet” is inspired by the timeless heritage of Persia and the authentic vision: while preserving the differences and identities of its peoples, we remain united and compassionate under the greater identity of Iran. Seventeen monuments from different eras and cities embody this message of continuity from ancient to modern times. The design aims to create a wearable symbol of cultural memory, supported by research on Iranian architecture and hidden clasp engineering for seamless