Mushroom Fantasy: A Ring Inspired by Childhood Fantasies

A Wearable Piece of Art by Sanaz Vazifeh Doost

The inspiration for Mushroom Fantasy came from the designer's childhood memories of walking in the woods, playing with mushrooms, and blowing raindrops. Mushrooms, with their mysterious nature and ability to stimulate rain, have always fascinated the designer. By combining the form of mushroom gills with the golden spiral, Sanaz Vazifeh Doost has created a ring that exudes mystery and enchantment.

What sets Mushroom Fantasy apart from other designs is its eye-catching appearance and unique combination of materials. The ring features a bold contrast between 18k yellow gold and different shades of natural blue sapphire, representing raindrops. The side view of the ring showcases a golden ratio design, adding a pleasing aesthetic element.

Mushroom Fantasy is not just a beautiful piece of jewelry; it is also a testament to the designer's skill and dedication. The ring is completely hand fabricated from scratch, with Sanaz Vazifeh Doost personally making the alloy, forging, rolling, and designing the ring. The natural sapphires are meticulously set by the designer, and the mat textured finish is achieved using a European wheel brush.

Creating Mushroom Fantasy presented several challenges for the designer. The most daunting task was to recreate the gills of mushrooms using 18k gold and solder them parallel to each other without melting them. Additionally, suspending the sapphires without any base to hold them required precise soldering and careful positioning. The design demanded a great deal of attention, patience, and craftsmanship.

The Mushroom Fantasy ring is not only visually striking but also comfortable to wear. Its ergonomic design ensures a perfect fit on the hand, allowing the wearer to enjoy the unique piece without any discomfort.

This exceptional piece of jewelry was created in Toronto, Canada, starting in November 2019 and completed in April 2020. Sanaz Vazifeh Doost's research on mushroom structure and growth process played a crucial role in bringing this design to life. The result is a wearable work of art that captures the imagination and brings back the magic of childhood fantasies.

Image Credits: Paul Ambtman

Awards and Accolades: Mushroom Fantasy was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.