Fissure: A Wearable Sculpture Inspired by Nature

A Unique Collection by Lingjun Sun

Fissure, a stunning jewelry collection created by designer Lingjun Sun, draws inspiration from the delicate crevices found in melting ice caps and dried earth. This unique collection serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental crisis we face today.

What sets Fissure apart is the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in each piece. Using a technique developed during Lingjun Sun's MA program in London, every item in the collection is hand-carved into a three-dimensional lattice with lines that mimic those found in nature. The organic lines of each piece hide a thoughtful design logic, resulting in balanced compositions of seemingly random components.

The realization of each design is a labor-intensive process. Starting with hand-carving the structure from wax, the pieces are then created to accommodate specific gem shapes or design needs. Lost-wax casting, stone setting, metal finishing, and black rhodium plating are meticulously applied to bring the designs to life. The use of 18K yellow gold, south sea baroque pearls, and white diamonds adds a touch of luxury to the collection.

The Fissure collection features several standout pieces, including Ring No.1 measuring 41mm x 27mm x 19mm, Earrings No.1 measuring 32mm x 32mm x 7mm, and Earrings No.2 measuring 55mm x 14mm x 11mm. Each piece showcases the intricate crisscrossing structure, highlighting the contrast between the smooth, lustrous gems and the carefully textured surface of the metal.

Wearing a piece from the Fissure collection is an immersive experience. The organic, three-dimensional, and asymmetrical forms of the designs allow wearers to connect with the natural world. The juxtaposition of the carefully crafted structure and the vibrant gems serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human civilization and nature.

The Fissure collection was brought to life during a project that started in August 2020 in Sydney. It was later exhibited at NYC Jewelry Week 2020, where it garnered attention and admiration from industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Lingjun Sun's design process for the Fissure collection involved extensive research and analysis. Extracting a two-dimensional pattern commonly found in nature and transforming it into a three-dimensional form required meticulous visual analysis and model construction. The resulting structure, texture, and color of each piece were carefully designed to serve the hidden design logic behind the seemingly random lines.

Creating the Fissure collection presented numerous challenges for Lingjun Sun. The apparent randomness, asymmetrical structure, and fine surface texture of each piece made traditional 2D rendering or computer tools nearly impossible to use. Instead, every piece required significant time and carving craftsmanship to be modeled and tested in physical prototypes. Further adjustments were made with remarkable time and effort to achieve the desired outcome.

Fissure is not just a collection of jewelry; it is a powerful statement about the state of our planet and our responsibility to protect it. Lingjun Sun's unique approach to design and craftsmanship has earned the Fissure collection the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2021. This award recognizes the collection's well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Fissure's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world.

Experience the beauty and thought-provoking nature of the Fissure collection, a wearable sculpture that embodies the harmony between art, nature, and design.