Bronze Jewelry Design · 2024
The Bottom Ring
- A' Design Award 2024 Bronze Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Sanda Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,880
- Verification code B7F83187BA · Verify this award
About The Bottom Ring
The Bottom ring, a handmade environmental statement ring, symbolizes marine fragility among global pollution. The hemimorphite stone is located at the center of the ring, recognized for its healing and energetic benefits. Sea star and marine snail motifs, inspired by the ocean floor. From detailed sketch to manual crafting with gemstones and gold plated silver, this ring upholds the tradition of handcraft, ensuring every detail has its meaning.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Bottom is a statement ring that is handmade. Hemimorphite, a stone symbolizing empathy, stands out, providing additional energetic benefits and compassion in all interactions.
The design draws deep inspiration from the ocean floor and its fragile underwater world facing a serious threat from pollution. Crafted sea star and marine snail motifs on the ring narrate the tale, symbolizing both the abundance and delicacy of the marine ecosystem. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The inner radius of the ring is 17,52mm, the head width is 28,54mm x 32,67mm, the height of the ring is 39,42mm. The weight of this piece is estimated at 38,09 g, 925 Sterling Silver with 14k yellow gold plating. The central stone is raw hemimorphite from Madagascar. Semi precious stones are amethyst 3x 0.08cts, citrine 1x 0.08cts, garnet 2x 0.09cts. Precious stones are blue sapphire 2x 0.12cts, ruby 1x 0.15cts, emerald 1x 0.06cts, ruby 1x 0.08cts.
- Tags
- Ring, Sea, Jewellery, The Bottom, Silver, Gold, Gemstones
- Production Technology
- The ring making process initiates with a sketch, precisely translated into workshop details, where it undergoes manual crafting from 925 silver with yellow gold plating or 14k, 18k yellow gold. It's adorned with precious blue sapphire, ruby, emerald, and semi precious gemstones citrine, amethyst, garnet, with a central Madagascar sourced hemimorphite stone.
- Design Challenge
- The timeless motif of the sea has long inspired artists seeking to share a profound message of love and boundless connection, a connection that mirrors the vastness of the sea itself. The challenge lies in uniquely capturing this primal love and depth, which seems to be missing many in today's fast world. The sea, as a universal motif, should not provoke differences but rather unite. The challenge was to authentically represent the sea, transcending boundaries, and communicate love to the world through The Bottom ring. This unique piece aims to be a universal symbol, reminding us of the intrinsic unity and depth that the sea embodies, offering a message of love that knows no bounds.
- Project Duration
- Growing up by the sea, Budva in Montenegro, sparked a profound appreciation for nature and the sea's significance. Over the years, an idea blossomed, an initiative to cultivate awareness through art. The Bottom Ring stands as a testament to this vision, a tribute to the inseparable bond between humanity and the sea. Initiated in November 2023, this project unfolded as a creative attempt to inspire environmental consciousness. The ring's design, reflecting the depths of the sea, carries a message of respect and responsibility towards our marine ecosystems. Completed in February 2024. The entire process took place in Montenegro.
- Operation Flow
- In the realm of jewelry, a versatile ring emerges as an essential accessory for every individual. Crafted with careful attention to detail, its design effortlessly transitions from everyday wear to special occasions. Its refined appearance makes it a perfect complement to any outfit, whether casual or formal. It reflects the wearer's unique identity and taste. A true testament to timeless elegance, it remains an integral accessory in every jewelry collection.
- Research
- Rings hold a profound symbolic meaning, connecting with individuals on a subconscious energetic level. This connection is deeply rooted in the belief that jewelry, particularly rings, can influence and channel energy. On an energetic level, it is thought to create a harmonious flow of energy, promoting balance and well being. The choice of materials and gemstones further improves this connection, as each element is believed to carry unique energies and properties. Wearing a ring becomes a personal and symbolic affirmation, aligning the wearer with specific energies and intentions. This energetic connection is a quiet yet powerful aspect of the relationship between individuals and their jewelry, contributing to a sense of empowerment, mindfulness, and connection to the deeper aspects of life.
- Inspiration
- The Bottom ring captures the essence of marine life, symbolizing its vulnerability to global pollution. The piece serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of environmental fragility. The strength of this creation lies in its handmade craftsmanship and the profound message, a call for conscientious environmental responsibility. Through thoughtful details and deliberate choices, it emerges as a symbol of resilience and hope, encouraging a commitment to safeguard the endangered underwater world.
- Image Credits
- Main Image #1 : Photographer Slavko Nikolic, Solutions4you, 2024; Optional Image #1: Photographer Slavko Nikolic, Solutions4you, 2024 ; Optional Image #2: Photographer Slavko Nikolic, Solutions4you, 2024 ; Optional Image #3: Photographer Slavko Nikolic, Solutions4you, 2024 ; Optional Image #4: Photographer Slavko Nikolic, Solutions4you, 2024
Video Credits: Photographer Slavko Nikolic, Solutions4you, 2024, sound copyright : epidemic sound - Patents
- Trademark (2021) Sanda Strugar
Colors of The Bottom Ring
Grand Interview about The Bottom Ring
The journey of creating The Bottom Ring began with a deep admiration for the ocean's intricate beauty and a growing awareness of its fragility due to human impact. Initial sketches drew inspiration from marine life—sea stars and snails—captured during seaside explorations. Each detail was thoughtfully designed to reflect the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems.The process transitioned from conceptual design to meticulous handcrafting, where hemimorphite was chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its symbolic and energetic properties, emphasizing healing and resilience. Gold-plated silver was selected to frame the stone, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability.Every step, from sourcing ethically obtained materials to the precision of crafting each motif, reflected a commitment to authenticity and environmental consciousness. This piece evolved into more than jewelry—it became a tangible statement urging awareness and action to protect our oceans.
Growing up in Budva, Montenegro, my connection to the sea deeply shaped my perspective on nature’s beauty and fragility. The stunning marine life I witnessed daily in the Adriatic Sea, with its vibrant creatures and delicate ecosystems, sparked my creative journey. The sea star and marine snail motifs in The Bottom Ring are a direct reflection of these marine encounters—symbols of resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges.The sea star, known for its regenerative powers, represents hope and the potential for renewal. The marine snail, with its spiral form, symbolizes the intricate, cyclical nature of life beneath the waves. These motifs are a tribute to the ocean's delicate balance and my desire to honor its inherent beauty.In choosing hemimorphite as the central gemstone, I was inspired by its healing properties and connection to water, further enhancing the design’s focus on environmental healing. The gold-plated silver setting adds a layer of luxury while maintaining an ethical commitment to sustainability. Through The Bottom Ring, I aim to share the ocean’s story, urging a deeper connection to its preservation.
In The Bottom Ring, I chose to combine Madagascar hemimorphite with sapphires, rubies, and emeralds to send a clear message about the environment. Hemimorphite, with its calming blue color, represents the ocean’s fragility. The sapphires, rubies, and emeralds bring life and color, symbolizing strength, beauty, and hope for renewal. Together, these stones reflect the importance of protecting marine life while honoring the ocean's beauty.
The intricate craftsmanship of The Bottom Ring, with its 39.42mm height and carefully arranged stones, reflects the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The height emphasizes the ring's bold presence, symbolizing the towering importance of ocean conservation. The complex arrangement of gemstones, from the hemimorphite at the center to the sapphires, rubies, and emeralds surrounding it, mirrors the interconnectedness of ocean life. Every detail was designed to highlight both the fragility and beauty of marine ecosystems, inspiring action to protect them.
Winning the Bronze A' Design Award for The Bottom Ring reinforced the importance of combining creativity with purpose in jewelry design. It deepened my commitment to creating pieces that not only captivate but also raise awareness about critical environmental issues. This recognition has motivated me to continue exploring ways in which jewelry can be a powerful tool for advocacy, encouraging a greater sense of responsibility and a deeper connection to nature in those who wear it.
The main technical challenge in crafting The Bottom Ring was the delicate balance required to integrate multiple gemstones, each with its unique size and shape, into the 925 silver base with gold plating. Precision was crucial to ensure that each stone was securely set while maintaining the visual harmony of the design. The gold plating added another layer of complexity, as it had to be applied evenly to avoid any damage to the stones or imbalance in the ring’s overall appearance. Additionally, maintaining the intricate detailing of the sea star and marine snail motifs required expert skill to capture the textures accurately without compromising the integrity of the precious metals.
My transition from architecture to jewelry design was driven by a desire to create tangible, wearable art that conveys deeper meaning. Architecture taught me the importance of structure, proportions, and spatial balance, which I brought into jewelry design. In The Bottom Ring, these principles are reflected in the meticulous arrangement of gemstones and the careful consideration of scale. The ring’s design, while intricate, maintains a sense of harmony and stability—elements I learned to value in architecture. This background also helped me understand how to blend functionality with aesthetic beauty, ensuring that the piece is both visually striking and comfortable to wear.
The use of hemimorphite in The Bottom Ring is intentional, as this stone is known for its healing properties, especially its ability to promote empathy and emotional healing. By incorporating hemimorphite, I aim to connect the wearer to the emotional aspect of marine conservation. The stone encourages a deeper understanding and empathy towards the delicate state of our oceans and marine life. It complements the ring’s environmental message by fostering a personal connection, urging the wearer to feel a responsibility toward protecting the sea and its ecosystems.
Building on the success of The Bottom Ring, I plan to continue integrating environmental narratives into my future jewelry designs by using nature-inspired motifs and sustainable materials. The key will be balancing artistry with conservation messages—ensuring each piece is both visually captivating and environmentally meaningful. I aim to explore new techniques and materials that promote ecological awareness, such as incorporating recycled metals, ethically sourced gemstones, and exploring new ways to symbolize the fragility of nature while preserving artistic expression.
The creation of The Bottom Ring from November 2023 to February 2024 was a pivotal journey that deepened my understanding of how traditional craftsmanship can be fused with modern environmental messages. Initially, I focused on maintaining the integrity of handmade techniques, which allowed me to ensure each detail was thoughtfully crafted. As the design evolved, I realized that the use of sustainable materials and the infusion of environmental symbolism through elements like the sea star and hemimorphite stone enhanced the ring's narrative.This process not only sharpened my technical skills but also inspired me to push the boundaries of traditional jewelry design. I began to think more critically about how each material and form could represent broader themes of conservation, transforming the piece from an aesthetic object into an advocacy tool. The Bottom Ring became a means to connect with the wearer on a deeper level, not just through beauty, but through its message of marine ecosystem fragility. It reaffirmed my belief that jewelry can be both a statement of personal style and a vehicle for environmental awareness.