DESIGN NAME: Gemel
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Earrings
INSPIRATION: Faceted gemstones in historical jewellery
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 'Gemel' is a lightweight versatile imitation gemstone. 'Gemel' can be utilized in all forms of jewellery. 'Gemel' is strong so can be worn as a ring and weighing an average 6gms (for stone size, 30 x 25 x 10mm) it is lightweight making it excellent for use in earrings, being extremely comfortable for the earring wearer compared to other gemstone and imitation gemstones of this size. The use of vitreous glass enamel gives the opportunity for a wide range of colours, patterns and sheens to be implemented. Clients have said on first viewing of 'Gemel' earrings, "what gemstone is that?". 'Gemel' earrings have been used in the music clip "Good Intent" by Kimbra. Video link has been given.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: 'Gemel' primary function is to be worn as jewellery. 'Gemel' can be used in Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets and Rings. 'Gemel' has scope to change in colour (with a wide palate available) and scale to suit personal tastes. It performs better than other imitation gems, as it is lightweight giving the opportunity for large-scale pieces to be created without impacting on the wearer’s comfort. Please watch video link to see earrings being worn.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Process research started in JULY 2007, completed November 2009, Melbourne Australia
Production Time 3hrs
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Materials: Fine silver, Sterling silver, Vitreous glass enamel
Production: manually Press-Formed using a Kick-Press, then enamelled and fired using a Kiln. All 'Gemel' gemstones are handcrafted individually.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Earring and most Popular Size "Shield Shape"
Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 10mm
Weight: 12gms approx per pair
TAGS: Gemstone imitation,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: -
CHALLENGE: To Press-Form a Geometric shape with sharp corners and edges, without the metal tearing.
To Create a Press-Formed shape which is hollow by nature, that can be light enough to be worn in a large size, for example as earrings with comfort to the
wearer, but still be durable enough to withstand being dropped or worn as a ring/bracelet without deforming.
ADDED DATE: 2011-04-19 21:14:44
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Katherine Alexandra Brunacci
IMAGE CREDITS: Katherine Alexandra Brunacci, 2011.
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