Commissioned by a private client with a fascination for Japanese culture, the Sakura necklace is a testament to the beauty of life, as represented by the cherry blossom in Japanese tradition. The necklace is a seamless blend of different pieces, cascading elegantly around the wearer's neck. The center flowers rotate, adding a dynamic element to the design. Moreover, the shorter piece on the left can be detached and worn separately as a brooch, demonstrating the versatility of the piece.
Despite its complex 3D shape and intricate design, the Sakura necklace is surprisingly light, weighing in at just 362.50 grams. Crafted from 18-karat gold, the necklace features 518.75 carats of stones and diamonds, adding to its luxurious appeal. The necklace's unique properties and design elements set it apart from other pieces, highlighting the designer's creativity and attention to detail.
The Sakura necklace is a result of approximately 1250 hours of meticulous handcrafting, spanning over five months. The piece is adorned with a variety of precious stones and diamonds, including white, champagne, fancy yellow, and fancy pink diamonds, as well as tourmaline, spinel, rose quartz, emeralds, and pearls. The fancy pink diamonds come with a GIA certificate, attesting to their quality and authenticity.
The creation of the Sakura necklace was not without challenges. The most significant hurdle was recreating the cherry blossom using stones and diamonds while ensuring the piece was wearable and not overly heavy. A month of research and development was dedicated to understanding the shapes of the cherry blossom tree and its flowers, and how they could be applied in jewelry and stones. Measurements of the client were also taken to ensure the necklace would fit perfectly around the neck.
The Sakura necklace is a testament to Nada Khamis Al-Sulaiti's talent and dedication to her craft. The piece's recognition with a Golden A' Design Award, granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, is well-deserved. The Sakura necklace is indeed a trendsetting creation that advances art, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with its desirable characteristics.
Project Designers: Nada Khamis Mohammed Al-Sulaiti
Image Credits: Juliette Sawyer
Project Team Members: Nada Khamis Mohammed Al-Sulaiti
Project Name: Sakura
Project Client: Nada Khamis Mohammed Al-Sulaiti