Baobab Tree: A Jewelry Collection Inspired by the Flower of Life

Unique and Organic Designs by Michiru Yamawaki

This unique jewelry collection, designed by Michiru Yamawaki, stands out with its organically designed beautiful flowers. However, the creation goes beyond just a flower image. The main motif of the collection is derived from the geometric symbol of the Flower of Life, giving it a deeper meaning. The collection also incorporates the image of a Baobab Tree, symbolizing the fruits, sacred power, and unconditional love of our mother nature. The main purpose of this project is to express the power of life and create a collection of wearable art.

Both modern and traditional techniques have been used to bring this collection to life. The main motif and base ring were designed using 3D CAD, while other items were carefully produced using handcrafted wax modeling and traditional metal craft techniques.

The Baobab Ring, a signature silver ring of the Flower of Life collection, showcases an organically designed large flower when worn. The flower is constructed with overlapping circles petals, transformed from the geometric symbol of the Flower of Life. When viewed from the side, the ring illustrates the image of a Baobab Tree. This main motif has also been crafted into a Long Station Necklace and Bracelet, creating a cohesive collection.

The Flower of Life collection started in 2017 in Tokyo, Japan, with the main designed motif and ring being combined as the first Baobab Ring in 2018. The collection has since expanded to include a Long Station Necklace, Bracelet, Earring, and an 18k gold and platinum combination version of the ring.

Michiru Yamawaki's research for this design focused on visualizing the order of nature. The designer delved into the concept of the Flower of Life, a geometric symbol considered the basic template for everything in existence. The design of the main motif transformed the perfect geometric shape into circles of petals, while carefully incorporating the tree trunk and branches into the ring.

The creative and technical challenges for this design included transforming an inorganic geometric symbol into an organic form that embodies the concept of life. Michiru Yamawaki successfully overcame these challenges, resulting in a collection that captures the essence of nature and the beauty of the Flower of Life.

The Baobab Ring, a signature silver ring of the Flower of Life collection, has been crafted with utmost care and attention to detail. When worn, it resembles a large flower with overlapping circles of petals. When viewed from the side, the ring reveals the shape of a Baobab Tree, symbolizing the Tree of Life. The key motif of the Baobab flower has been incorporated into variations of the long station necklace and bracelet within the Flower of Life collection.

This remarkable design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Flower of Life collection stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.