Love Eternity 耳環 by Kaining Wang and Shao-Hsuan Hou

Love Eternity 耳環 by Kaining Wang and Shao-Hsuan Hou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2022 A' Design Award 銀獎 in 珠寶設計 Competition Category.

銀珠寶· 2022

Love Eternity 耳環

by Kaining Wang and Shao-Hsuan Hou

Client: HanJi Jewelry

A' Design Award 銀獎 Winner in 珠寶 Category

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Colors

The Design

About Love Eternity 耳環

《愛．永恆》係一對用嚟表達愛情恒久不變嘅耳環。每隻耳環由兩部分組成：一個鑲住紅寶石嘅托座，同一個螺旋形嘅垂墜元素。托座上設有一條坑槽，螺旋部分就係由此懸掛，令佩戴時可以有鐘擺式嘅擺動。鑽石同黃金交替排列成兩條線條，纏繞成一股，以螺旋形態流動延伸。呢對耳環以14K純黃金打造，鑲有兩粒各3毫米嘅圓形實驗室培育紅寶石，以及大約558粒圓形鑽石。製作過程包括電腦建模、3D打印、脫蠟鑄造同鑲石。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銀獎

Love Eternity 耳環是 A' Design Award 銀獎得主，這是授予頂級、華美而令人印象深刻的設計的極為崇高的認可。銀獎得主是極其卓越、極具創造力的作品，展現出其設計師傑出的專業技能、才華與敏銳。預計Love Eternity 耳環將成為一件出色的典範之作，兼具非凡的專業性與深刻的創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銀獎的設計是一項備受矚目、令人欽佩的發明，造福並拓展藝術、科學、設計和技術的界限。Love Eternity 耳環是一件令人羨慕的創作，它喚起渴望，帶來積極的情感，並激發驚嘆與讚嘆。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Each earring consists of two parts, a bezel holding a ruby and a spiral drop element. The bezel has a channel, from which the spiral hangs and moves in a pendulum motion. The alternating rows of diamonds and gold illustrate two strands giving and receiving as equals as they wind into one and flow in a spiral course. The eyes would read a circular dynamic that symbolizes the perpetual nature and the power of love - the central idea of the design.
Dimensions & Packaging: Earring Dimension: Width 2cm x Depth 2cm x Height 8cm
Tags: Earrings, Hanji, Hanji Jewelry, Luxury, Jewelry, Designer, Fine Jewelry, Gold, Diamonds, Ruby
Production Technology: This pair of earrings is made from 14K solid yellow gold, a matching pair of 3.0mm round lab-grown rubies (total weight approx. 0.32 carat), and about 558 round diamonds (total weight approx. 4.19 carat). All diamonds are sourced from suppliers participating in the System of Warranties and following the Kimberley Process guidelines.

The production technology included computer modeling, 3D printing, lost-wax casting, stone setting, etc. It was manufactured entirely in the USA.
Design Challenge: One of the creative challenges was attempting to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing version of the spiral element. Aspects considered included the number of turns, the amount of space between the turns, and how the spiral should end. Next was deciding on the best hanging mechanism that would allow pendulum motion of the earrings when worn, the arrangement of gemstones on the spiral structures, and the placement of prongs that would secure the gemstones.
Research: The research objective was to determine responsibly sourced materials that would be used for manufacturing the earrings. We read reports from trusted organizations, such as The World Jewellery Confederation, participated in live discussions with ethical jewelry communities, including webinars hosted by Ethical Metalsmiths.

Sourcing responsibly was challenging due to the long, complex supply chains of gold, diamonds and gemstones. There have been controversies around gold certificates and the definition of 'conflict-free diamonds', etc. Nevertheless, we believe we would be able to realize our design using materials sourced in ways that have a minimal impact on the environment and were not involved in conflict by doing research and asking suppliers questions. Eventually, we chose to use 14K recycled gold from a US manufacturer MKM Jewelry, Inc., lab-created rubies sourced from Stuller, Inc., and natural diamonds sourced from Hoover & Strong, Inc. Stuller is a leading manufacturer and jewelry supply distributor in the US that adheres to strict protocols in regards to the sourcing of both lab-grown and mined gemstones. Hoover & Strong source from diamond suppliers who participate in the System of Warranties and follow the guidelines of the Kimberley Process. These diamonds are guaranteed to have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. The goal was a design that is not only aesthetically pleasing and innovative but also sustainably made.
Inspiration: We wanted to create a piece of jewelry that illustrates ‘love’ and arrived at spirals as a perfect depiction of the perpetual nature of love. The inspiration came unexpectedly when a scribble among other design concept drawings caught our eyes. We designed the spiral to have two strands that emanate from a shared center - a rich red ruby. From there they entwine and are able to craft a way forward stronger than they ever could be alone.
Project Duration: The design process started in August 2020. Conceptualization, 3D modeling, prototyping, selection of materials and manufacturing were completed in January 2021.
Operation Flow: They are to be worn on ears. The spiral drop elements hang from the top round bezels holding the pair of rubies. When worn, the spiral elements may move, swinging left and right.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Hanji Design, 2021.
Brand name: HanJi Jewelry
Team Members: Kaining Wang
Shao-Hsuan Hou
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Kaining Wang, Love Eternity, 2021
Optional Image #1: Photographer Kaining Wang, Photo Editor/Graphic Artist Shihab Sumom, Love Eternity, 2021
Optional Image #2: Photographer Shao-Hsuan Hou, Love Entwine, 2021
Optional Image #3: Model Kaining Wang, Photographer Shao-Hsuan Hou, Lifestyle, 2021