Iron Jewelry Design · 2025
Mandarinfish Pendant
- A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Delmor
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 16,014
- Verification code F7EB736049 · Verify this award
About Mandarinfish Pendant
Mandarinfish is a unisex pendant made of 18k gold. The design is inspired by the mandarin fish, a species admired in several cultures as a symbol of harmony, happiness and lasting bonds. Sapphires, emeralds and diamonds in different colors and shades recreate the bright patterns of the fish body. Curved fins and an arching tail suggest fluid motion. The piece is modeled in three dimensions, then printed, cast, polished and plated, and the many small stones are placed by micro-setting. Mandarinfish can also be worn as a brooch.
Mohammad Amin Moradi's Mandarinfish Pendant participates in the rich tradition of naturalistic jewelry design where the natural world provides both formal inspiration and symbolic content, a lineage extending from Art Nouveau's celebration of organic forms through mid-century naturalism to contemporary high jewelry's technical reinterpretations of fauna and flora, suggesting particular affinity with the gemstone virtuosity and whimsical subjects characteristic of houses specializing in animal-form jewelry where technical mastery serves expressive delight. The compositional achievement of this pendant resides in its successful translation of the mandarinfish's complex natural patterning and distinctive morphology into the formal language of precious jewelry, the horizontal elongated format respecting the creature's natural proportions while the dynamic curves and articulated fin structures create visual interest and organic authenticity, the designer demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how to distribute visual weight across an asymmetrical form, balancing the substantial head and body mass against the delicate elaboration of tail and dorsal fins, chromatic sophistication emerges in the carefully orchestrated progression from saturated electric blues and deep cobalts suggesting the species' vivid natural coloration through transitional turquoise and aquamarine middle tones to the warm golden accents that anchor the piece in luxury materials vocabulary, the strategic deployment of hundreds of precisely set gemstones reveals both technical facility in micro-pavé or similar intensive stone-setting methodologies and compositional intelligence in creating color gradations and pattern variations that suggest natural scale patterns and chromatophore distributions without literal copying, passages of particular accomplishment include the facial area where concentrated detail and tonal contrast create personality and focal strength, the fin structures where radiating linear elements maintain structural clarity despite dense gemstone coverage, and the overall surface where color transitions appear organic rather than mechanical despite the geometric regularity of individual stone settings. The thematic significance of selecting the mandarinfish as subject carries multiple resonances, this small Pacific reef species ranks among nature's most brilliantly colored vertebrates, its psychedelic patterning and electric hues making it instantly recognizable and symbolically associated with tropical marine biodiversity, exotic beauty, and the jewel-like qualities of reef ecosystems, by translating this natural phenomenon into actual jewels, the designer creates a meta-commentary on nature's own decorative achievements while celebrating both biological and human creative capacities, the work may reference the long tradition of marine subjects in decorative arts from ancient shell-work through maritime powers' celebration of oceanic wealth to contemporary environmental awareness, while the specific choice of a diminutive, non-predatory, almost cartoon-like species suggests accessibility and delight over grandeur or danger, perhaps inviting contemplation of how jewelry functions both as personal adornment and as wearable sculpture that brings joy to wearer and viewer alike, the technical execution invites consideration of the jeweler's art as requiring not only material mastery and setting precision but also color sensitivity and compositional intelligence equivalent to painting or other chromatic arts, one might observe how the piece negotiates between naturalistic representation and decorative stylization, maintaining recognizable species characteristics while transforming them into the formal language of fine jewelry, and viewers may find themselves contemplating the relationship between natural beauty and crafted luxury, between oceanic inspiration and terrestrial materials, and between the ephemeral experience of encountering such creatures in their habitat and the permanent capture of their essence in precious, enduring form.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This 18k gold pendant is designed to capture the essence of the mandarin fish's radiant hues, Using different shades and different colors of Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond as gemstones symbolize vitality, beauty, and good fortune, making the pendant not only an exquisite adornment but also a talisman of positive energy. Designing it's curved fins and a gracefully arching tail, is to show the fluid motion and grace of this fish. Due to the large number of gemstones Micro-setting can be hard.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- (W) 45.10mm X (L)27.53mm X (H) 11.54mm Weight : 9.320g Gemstones : sapphire- Brilliant Cut - 1.2 X 1.2 mm sapphire- Brilliant Cut - 1 X 1 mm sapphire- Marquiz Cut - 2.5 X 1.5mm Diamond - Brilliant Cut - 1.2 X 1.2 mm Emerald - Brilliant Cut - 1.2 X 1.2 mm
- Tags
- Mandarin, pendant, fish
- Production Technology
- This design is 3D modeled in MatrixGold software after hand sketching. As 18k Gold has been considered as the material, For the production, 3D printing, casting, polishing, and simple electroplating are required. selective Silver electroplating is optional.
- Design Challenge
- Considering the rich colors of the mandarin fish, designing the patterns of the body using different shades of colors was one of the challenges of the project.
- Project Duration
- The project started in January 2025 in Tehran, Iran and finished in January 2025 in Tehran, Iran.
- Operation Flow
- This piece is designed as a pendant but it can easily transform into a brooch.
To be used as a pendant, the suggestion weight of the chain is at least 1.5gr. - Research
- In this design, the features and unique characters of mandarin fish have been researched, and the Delphi method was employed. These investigations led to the refinement of the ideation process.
- Inspiration
- This unisex pendant is inspired by the stunning Mandarinfish, a species renowned for its strikingly colorful and intricate appearance. This fish is often revered in various cultures for it's symbolism of marital harmony and happiness, as it is known to swim in pairs, representing unity and lasting bonds. A fascinating fact about them is that they don't have scales, Also, their bright coloration is not for attracting a mate, but It is to mislead predators into believing that they may be toxic.
- Image Credits
- video music: Hillsong UNITED, oceans, 2013
Colors of Mandarinfish Pendant
Get Mandarinfish Pendant
Design Interview about Mandarinfish Pendant
Mandarin fish is a unique member of dragonet which is known for it's colorful and specific colors. The pattern of each fish, red, blue, yellow and green are unique and are as specific as a finger print for a human. I found them so fascinating and I tried to show their beauty by designing them.
My main focus was on the Gem stones colors so they could the possible colorful pattern of a Mandarin fish body.
CAD designing and rendering took me about a week
I designed this piece to show the beauty of underwater nature. There are lots of beautiful creatures in the nature and we might see them everyday but don't pay enough attention to how beautiful they actually are.
No, It was done by myself.
I think the colorful patterns made by Gemstones makes it different.
It is the name of this particular fish that I have designed.
I have used MatrixGold for CAD designing and Keyshot for rendering.
The various sizes, colors and the arrangement of Gemstones makes it unique.
The various colors and the pattern of the Mandarin fish's body itself has challenged me into designing and picking the colors of gemstones.
Grand Interview about Mandarinfish Pendant
The mandarinfish is renowned for its stunning array of colors and its symbolic connections to marital bliss, joy, togetherness, and lasting relationships. To capture the biological traits of this scaleless species, a refined selection of precious and semi-precious stones—such as sapphires in various cuts (brilliant and marquise), emeralds, and diamonds—has been used to mimic its vivid natural hues, which in the wild function as a warning signal to predators rather than a mating display.
This design can amplify the trend of multifunctional jewelry, and when this idea tempts the designer, it naturally holds appeal for the consumer to benefit from it in accordance with the environment they’re in. On the other hand, depending on the wearer’s clothing style, this capability can eliminate certain limitations, be redefined, and also express the unisex nature of this jewelry piece.
Given that this design is inspired by nature and intended to make a precise, modern reference to the body details and anatomy of the fish, studies were conducted on various species and diverse appearances of this fish, as well as its movement in water, to accurately highlight the inherent beauties of the fish and depict its motion in the best possible way within a static object. Additionally, these studies played a significant role in selecting the colors, types, and shapes of the gemstones.
I studied the mandarinfish’s anatomy, colors, and fluid motion in water. I hand-forged 18k gold with chasing to mimic its scaleless texture. I set sapphires in brilliant and marquise cuts, emeralds, and diamonds using prong and pavé techniques, which are classic craftsmanship methods that provide warmth. I employed 3D modeling for ergonomic curves and spectral analysis to match the biofluorescent hues precisely. Tradition lent the piece soul and an heirloom feel. Modern tools ensured accuracy and lifelike grace in a static form. Nature’s vibrant warning display became timeless art.
Micro-setting dozens of tiny gemstones in the Mandarinfish Pendant was challenging but rewarding. I began with precise 3D modeling to map placements and avoid stress points. Using magnification, I hand-set each sapphire, emerald, and diamond with custom micro-gravers and prong techniques, working in phases and annealing the 18k gold to prevent warping. Organic shapes required tactile alignment and patience—resetting stones if needed. This careful process preserved every anatomical detail, turning complexity into fluid, lifelike elegance.
I translated harmony and happiness through form, color, and motion. The pendant’s fluid, undulating 18k gold silhouette mirrors the mandarinfish’s graceful swim—symbolizing unity in movement. Paired sapphires and emeralds in balanced, rhythmic clusters evoke marital harmony, their cool-warm contrast reflecting emotional balance. Brilliant-cut diamonds add joyful sparkle, like light dancing on water. The scaleless, seamless surface suggests enduring bonds—nothing breaks the flow. Every curve and stone placement follows nature’s rhythm, making abstract joy and togetherness quietly visible.
I started with simple paper sketches—quick lines to catch the fish’s curves and flow. They were rough but full of feeling.Then in MatrixGold, I rebuilt everything carefully, adjusting proportions and light on the stones. I kept going back to the paper to stay true to the original idea.It was just a quiet back-and-forth: hand and heart first, tools second. That balance helped the pendant feel natural and honest.
I hope the pendant quietly reminds people of the mandarinfish’s fragile reef home. Each time someone notices its colors or asks about it, it’s a small chance to share how these tiny, vivid creatures signal a healthy ocean—and why we must protect it.
I drew from the mandarinfish’s natural grace—its fluid forms and vibrant colors aren’t tied to any gender in the wild. I kept the pendant’s lines soft yet bold, with balanced proportions that feel welcoming to anyone. The symbolism of harmony and unity is universal, so I avoided ornate frills, focusing on quiet elegance that lets the wearer define it. It’s just a small way to make beauty inclusive.
I hope it quietly shows that nature’s fragile beauty deserves protection. By letting the mandarinfish’s story live in the piece, it might inspire others to design with care-honest work that honors the ocean and urges us to keep it safe.I also hope it shows that a story from nature can live in jewelry without shouting. By letting the fish’s quiet beauty speak, it might encourage others to weave real meaning into their pieces—simple, honest narratives that touch the heart.