DESIGN NAME: Rod of Asclepius
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Lapel Pin
INSPIRATION: These 18K gold lapel pins are one of several jewelry pieces designed for the collaborative project titled Gems and Teeth in conjunction with a dental clinic to introduce the mysterious dental world through jewelry. Dentistry and jewelry seem to exist in 2 different spheres however equipment and materials are mutual to both. Dental equipment was developed from the jewelry craftsmans tools.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: These snake lapel pins are inspired by the Rod of Asclepius, an ancient Greek mythological symbol associated with medicine and healing, consisting of a snake coiled around a rod. The snake shedding its skin symbolizes rebirth, fertility and power. The different motifs on top of the rod identify various medical professionals, a tooth for dentistry and a heart for health care. The colored stones of snake eyes indicate its mood, Emerald for healing, Sapphire for calmness, and Ruby for passion.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: These lapel pins are a spring board for many topics. Distinct because of their unique appearance, the wearer can explain the story of medicine and health care, Greek mythology, symbolism, gems and jewelry functions, as well as ethical topics through jewelry.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Concept making, jewelry designed in Japan and manufactured in Italy June 2021-Aug 2022. The project is still in progress.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: 18K gold Italian handmade snake lapel pins with gem stones: 18K white, yellow, and pink gold created with responsibly sourced Valcambi Swiss Gold Products. Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby and Diamonds were used. Satin Finish is applied for the snake body.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 25.4mm x Depth 12mm x Height 92mm
TAGS: Rod of Asclepius, Snake, Lapel Pin, Jewelry, Medicine, Health care, Teeth, Symbol, Rebirth, Ethical
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Ancient Greek mythology and symbol investigation covered such topics as medical history and health care, gem meanings and jewelry functions.
CHALLENGE: After manufacturing the first piece, it became apparent that making the snake detachable and with additional double chains would be more useful for wearers to cover a range of casual to formal occasions. It became a challenge to balance the 18K long snake with a small function/attachment on the rod. The challenge was solved by adjusting the size of attachment, and the thickness of the rod to work with the snakes curves.
This lapel pin can be worn with 4 different styles, with or without the snake and with additional chains.
ADDED DATE: 2023-02-19 17:22:51
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Chiaki Miyauchi, 2022.
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