My piece ‘The Quest’ has received an Award from Japan Jewellery Designers Association at Silver Accessories Contest 2023. I’m so excited and grateful! The theme for the contest was ‘Stories’, and my jewelry was inspired by a form of stories, the quest.
A quest is a form of stories, about a mission to find something special. The journey starts from a regular life (represented by the chain necklace) straight into unusual places (represented by various unique shapes that connect with each other, some more obvious, some more mysterious), all leading to something truly special (the focal point). Along the experiences, there are usually helpers and friends (little stone columns).
Everyone could have personal quests, go through extraordinary ways and arrive at something meaningful. To me, creating this piece was a quest as well, as I went through many unique and unexpected paths until ‘The Quest’ was finally completed.
Note: Some pictures will be added over time to this post.
The main pendant was built by pieces of ‘sticks’ (each and every single one was handmade) which were then built to form a circle. The center area of the circle was decorated with synthetic stones and 24K gold foil. I also used the same synthetic gems and gold foil on the ‘beads’ on the neckline, with some silver mesh incorporated as well. Every element was handmade from scratch, without any commercially available molds, stamps or templates. The material I use, Art Clay Silver, is made with 100% recycled silver, manufactured by Aida Chemical Industries Co.,Ltd., a recycling company specialized in recycling and refining precious metals since 1963.
As usual, I did a lot of sketches and during the implementation, the planned sketches could change, as you can see by comparison of the sketch and the final result. I always strive for versatility in my jewelry, and this one was no exception. The front part of the focal point could be worn separately as a pendant.
The Quest necklace is one of my most complex piece to create. It has so many elements which includes movements, hidden mechanism and seemingly ‘endless’ tiny areas – well it certainly felt that way when I as creating it! I was simply very happy when I finally completed it.
I’d like to thank Silver Accessories Contest once again to organize such an amazing event. It’s such a delight to take part, and winning a Semi Grand Prix certainly has been a special sweet moment for me. Thank you for reading!
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