DESIGN NAME: Tonos
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Ring
INSPIRATION: Tonos, symbolized as ' in modern Greek writing, is a punctuation mark that specifies the stress given to a syllabus of a word for its correct pronunciation. Driven by its actual use in modern and ancient Greek language, Tonos is used here in a metaphoric way, where the projected segment of the gold core is intentionally employed to emphasize the transition of the material and simultaneously balance the gold and the concrete side of the object.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Tonos is a limited edition (100 pieces) handmade ring. It offers a unique feeling as two materials with completely different properties interlock. The main component is concrete. The 14K gold works as reinforcement at the inner part of the ring and has a secondary role. The minimal design combined with comfortable fit challenges the use of concrete in jewellery application. The ring is also available in silver, plated gold and three different cement colours (grey, pink and blue).
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Tonos is a limited edition handmade ring consisted of a 14K gold core and a layer of concrete. The design aims to merge two materials with contradicting properties in a shape that reflects minimalistic elegance and is appropriate for casual but also elegant appearances.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The concept and development of the ring started in New York in December 2015 and finished in April 2016 for the exhibition Loot: MAD About Jewelry at Museum of Arts and Design, New York.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: For the production of the ring, a seven-step process is been followed.
The ring is designed in 2D plans, elevations, sections and in 3D. Then, is being tested digitally (for its comfort, functionality, tolerance etc.) and as soon as the model meets the standard criteria, is sent for 3D printing. The third step includes the cast of a silicon mold and the fourth the metalwork of the ring core. As soon as those two components are ready we proceed with the casting of the concrete. The last two steps include sanding and polishing/sealing.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Inner Diameter: 17.5mm
Gold Core Thickness: 1mm
Concrete Thickness: 2mm
TAGS: concrete, metal, gold, ring, jewelry, design, art, minimalism, style, NYC
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Concrete is considered from the majority of people as a cold, grey and unfriendly material. Used extensively in construction, usually is covered, painted or tiled. My architectural background and the extensive use of concrete in building erection intrigued me to disrupt the conventional bond between cement and architecture and familiarize it with the human body. In 2014, I initiated experimenting with cement’s properties and in 2015 I created my first collection. In 2016, I introduced the pastel colors in the concrete mix and combined it with precious metals and the challenge of this year is to make it look like floating.
CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge of the design was to engage the two materials in a unique way and create an object that is light, comfortable, elegant and wearable around the clock. Gold is a precious material, highly appreciated and beloved. Concrete though is considered heavy, cold and its use is mainly tied to construction. This design challenges the use and tolerance of concrete. By forming it only 2 mm thick and using a 1 mm gold core we created a concrete/gold ring with 3 mm profile thickness.
ADDED DATE: 2017-09-29 03:07:22
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Design: Elena Kapompasopoulou. and Metal work: Prigkipw.
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer George Kroustallis, 2017, Model Artemis Monachogios.
Image #2: Photographer Elena Kapompasopoulou, 2017.
Image #3: Photographer Elena Kapompasopoulou, 2017.
Image #4: Photographer Elena Kapompasopoulou, 2017.
Image #5: Photographer Elena Kapompasopoulou, 2017.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyrights belong to Elena Kapompasopoulou, 2016.
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