The Bottom: A Ring with a Conscience

Handcrafted Jewelry Echoing Marine Conservation

Sanda Strugar's The Bottom ring is a testament to the beauty and fragility of the ocean's ecosystem. The ring's design intricately weaves together elements of the sea floor, with motifs of sea stars and marine snails that tell a story of abundance and delicacy. The use of hemimorphite, a stone known for fostering empathy, adds an energetic dimension to the piece, encouraging compassion and a deeper connection to the world's oceans.

The creation of The Bottom is a meticulous process that begins with a detailed sketch and culminates in the manual crafting of 925 silver with yellow gold plating or 14k, 18k yellow gold. The ring is embellished with a selection of precious and semi-precious stones, including blue sapphire, ruby, emerald, citrine, amethyst, and garnet, with a central hemimorphite stone sourced from Madagascar. This combination of materials not only ensures aesthetic appeal but also imbues the ring with a sense of purpose and energy.

Technical precision is evident in the ring's specifications, with an inner radius of 17.52mm and a head width of 28.54mm x 32.67mm. The height stands at 39.42mm, with a weight of 38.09g in 925 Sterling Silver and 14k yellow gold plating. The selection and placement of gemstones are carefully considered, contributing to the ring's narrative and visual impact.

The Bottom is more than a piece of jewelry; it is a versatile accessory that seamlessly integrates into both daily wear and special occasions. Its design and craftsmanship reflect the wearer's identity and taste, making it a timeless addition to any jewelry collection. The ring's elegance and sophistication are matched by its symbolic significance, aligning the wearer with the ring's environmental message.

Conceived by the sea in Budva, Montenegro, The Bottom ring is the culmination of a creative journey that began in November 2023 and concluded in February 2024. This project, rooted in a deep appreciation for the sea and its importance to life, is a creative endeavor aimed at fostering environmental consciousness through the medium of art and design.

Research into the energetic properties of jewelry, particularly rings, informed the design of The Bottom. The belief that jewelry can channel energy and influence well-being is central to the ring's concept. By carefully selecting materials and gemstones known for their unique energies, The Bottom becomes more than an accessory; it is a personal talisman that promotes balance and connection to the natural world.

Strugar faced the challenge of capturing the essence of the sea in a way that transcends cultural and personal differences, uniting wearers in a shared love for the marine environment. The Bottom ring, with its universal symbolism and message of love and connection, rises to meet this challenge, offering a piece of jewelry that is both beautiful and meaningful.

With its handcrafted design, The Bottom ring by Sanda Strugar stands as a powerful statement of marine conservation. Its unique properties, realization technology, and the designer's commitment to environmental awareness have earned it the Bronze A' Jewelry Design Award in 2024, recognizing its contribution to art, design, and the betterment of our world.