Sarah: A Delicate and Unique Gold Ring Inspired by Nature

A Combination of Art and Wearable Jewelry

The Sarah design project was born out of a deep admiration for the multilayered and fragile beauty of Sarah Bernhard peonies. These flowers, named after the iconic actress and courtesan, have captivated artists throughout history, including Alphonse Mucha, who immortalized Sarah Bernhard's face in his Art Nouveau masterpieces. The Sarah ring embodies the essence of both the woman and the flower, creating a harmonious blend of nature and art.

What sets the Sarah ring apart is its unique combination of usability and artistic expression. Made from recycled 585 yellow gold, the ring is crafted using the lost wax casting and goldsmith plate techniques. The result is a ring that is both massive and fragile, capturing the delicate beauty of the peony. From every angle, the Sarah ring showcases a handcrafted artifact, a testament to the skill and artistry of its creator.

The technical specifications of the Sarah ring are as follows: it is made from 585 yellow gold, with a flower size of 21 mm x 14 mm. The ring has a width of 4 mm, and its size varies. In terms of weight, the ring weighs 19 g in ring size 17. These specifications ensure that the Sarah ring is not only visually striking but also comfortable to wear.

The realization of the Sarah ring involved meticulous craftsmanship. The original flower pieces were created by melting wax and forming them drop by drop on an iron sphere. These wax models were then cast in gold using the lost wax casting technique. The best forms for the flower part were chosen, and the casted gold layers were polished and soldered together with a single gold wire. The design was carefully crafted to minimize the use of soldering, resulting in a seamless and visually captivating piece.

The Sarah ring project began in July 2020 and was completed in June 2021. It was exhibited in Sonkajarvi, Finland, in June 2021, showcasing its unique design and craftsmanship to the world.

Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted to capture the essence of the peony flower and the iconic Sarah Bernhard. Movies, posters, and peony blossoms were studied to ensure that the final ring design captured the character and beauty of both nature and the actress. The goal was to create a wearable and pretentious ring that went beyond mere imitation, expressing the desired character of nature, humanity, and a specific time era.

The Sarah ring presented several creative and technical challenges. Sketching and model making techniques were employed to experiment with different forms before settling on the final design. The challenge was to create something new that not only imitated nature but also conveyed the desired character and spirit of the peony and Sarah Bernhard. The result is a ring that is both visually captivating and emotionally evocative.

In conclusion, the Sarah ring is a testament to the beauty and artistry that can be achieved through the combination of nature, design, and craftsmanship. Inspired by the delicate peony and the timeless elegance of Sarah Bernhard, this gold ring is a unique and wearable piece of art. Its organic shape, intricate details, and captivating design make it a true statement piece for any jewelry collection.