The Emperor's New Gem

Modern Jewelry Design by Anqi Zhao and Tianyi Zhang

This earring, named "The Emperor's New Gem," stands out with its unique design and craftsmanship. Created by Anqi Zhao and Tianyi Zhang, this modern jewelry piece showcases their creativity and innovation in the field. The designers aimed to challenge the conventional notions of luxury and materialism, emphasizing the importance of contentment and self-acceptance.

The main feature of this design is the use of a single wire to support the entire structure, creating a visually striking three-dimensional form. The earring consists of three surrounding flat shapes that seamlessly transition into one another, forming a captivating three-dimensional space. The metalworking and inlay craftsmanship techniques used in its creation showcase the designers' attention to detail and commitment to quality.

The "None Gem" gemstone holder, positioned strategically within the design, features a surface frosting treatment that sets it apart from the main part of the earring. This subtle distinction adds a unique touch to the overall aesthetic, highlighting the designers' dedication to creating a visually distinctive piece.

Measuring 66mm long and 25mm wide, "The Emperor's New Gem" is a statement piece that demands attention. Its contemporary design, influenced by geometric shapes, appeals to individuals who appreciate modern jewelry with a touch of elegance.

Through its interaction with light and its intricate structural display, this earring creates different visual effects from various angles. Each perspective offers a distinct view, resembling a separate picture. This dynamic quality adds to the overall allure of the design, making it a captivating piece to behold.

The project to create "The Emperor's New Gem" began in December 2019 in Beijing and was completed in April 2020 in Wuhan. Throughout the design process, Anqi Zhao and Tianyi Zhang conducted extensive research to understand the needs and preferences of their customers. They discovered that many people have misconceptions about the value of a piece based solely on its complexity and the presence of gemstones. This realization inspired the designers to challenge these preconceived notions and focus on the design itself.

Overcoming various creative, technical, and research challenges, the designers achieved consistency in the perspective of each earring. The handmade nature of the piece required meticulous adjustments to ensure the final shape and weight were satisfactory. The use of silver as the primary material added an additional layer of complexity, as the designers had to consider load-bearing capacity and center of gravity.

"The Emperor's New Gem" perfectly balances three-dimensional and planar structure design. The interlacing of multiple spaces creates a sense of depth and complexity, while the simplicity of the lines and the coordination of the center of gravity provide a clear sense of space. The combination of different surface treatments and material colors adds harmony to the overall aesthetic.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. "The Emperor's New Gem" stands out for its integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world through its fulfillment and positive impact.