The City of the World: Isfahan Ring

Designing a Symbolic Sculpture Inspired by Isfahan's Architecture

Ali Mohammad Heidari and Zahra Khaniki, both architects by profession, have ventured into the world of jewelry design. Their goal was to create collections that combine minimal details with simple arrangements. The Isfahan Ring is part of their City of the World collection, where they turn cities they admire into items with mysteries that carry different stories throughout a buyer's lifetime.

Made of 18k gold, the Isfahan Ring is a fine piece of jewelry that showcases the designers' attention to detail. The main parts of the ring are laser-cut on 0.6mm plates and then folded using hand-held tools. Gas torches, laser welding, and other tools are used to assemble the various parts, resulting in a polished and exquisite final product.

What sets the Isfahan Ring apart is its ability to capture the essence of Isfahan's architecture. The ring transforms the city's architectural wonders into a symbolic sculpture that can be worn on one's finger. It serves as a unique and individual souvenir, allowing the wearer to carry a piece of the city's soul with them wherever they go.

The design project for the Isfahan Ring started in April 2015 and was completed in February 2016 in Tehran, Iran. It was part of the City of the World collection designed for Carin Jewellery and was launched in March 2016. The designers conducted extensive research, including perceptual maps and questionnaires, to understand the market and the preferences of their target audience. The result is a modern, innovative, and unconventional piece of jewelry that appeals to design lovers.

Despite facing challenges such as outsourcing part of the production line, Ali Mohammad Heidari and Zahra Khaniki managed to create a design that is both visually stunning and affordable. They focused on simple details to reduce the risk of imperfections and used 2D laser-cut technology to create the main pieces. The designers also set a weight limit for the products, ensuring that they remained lightweight and accessible to a wider audience.

The Isfahan Ring has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2016. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The Isfahan Ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a work of art that encapsulates the beauty and charm of Isfahan's architecture. With its unique design and attention to detail, this ring allows wearers to carry a piece of the city's rich history and culture with them wherever they go.