The pendant, designed to be worn as a necklace, depicts an aerial image of Manhattan. The intricate design showcases the city's iconic skyline, with the Central Park at its core, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of industry and nature. The design's unique properties lie in its ability to present a microcosm of the city view, allowing the wearer to experience different perspectives of the NYC skyline from every angle. The use of various diamond colors adds a dynamic element, capturing different times, seasons, and moments of NYC.
The realization of this design involved a blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. The design was initially drawn in a CAD program, while the casting, finishing, and gem setting were all done by hand. The pendant is made out of platinum, representing the industrial buildings of NYC, and the highest graded diamonds, symbolizing the urban nature of Central Park.
The pendant measures 9.4mmx22.7mmx2.5mm and the arrangement of diamond colors may vary, offering a unique interpretation of the city's four seasons. The design is not only a piece of fine jewelry but also a reflection of urban nature, Central Park, coexistence, and the impression of NYC.
Despite its intricate design, the pendant functions as a normal necklace, allowing wearers to carry the beauty of NYC's urban nature with them at all times. The designer hopes that through this piece, people will reflect on their relationship with nature and consider how to coexist harmoniously. Custom versions with different colors of diamonds are available for those who want to keep their own impression of NYC close to their hearts.
The design project started in January 2014 in New York City and was completed in June 2016 in Seoul. It was later exhibited in Seoul in July 2016. The design is based on Eunnara Ko's personal experiences living in New York and her background in Industrial Design from Parsons School of Design. The project faced several challenges, including finding the ideal size for the chain hole and accurately scaling down the city's size for the jewelry design. The design also required extensive research and interviews to capture diverse perspectives on the coexistence of industry and nature in NYC.
The "Coexistence of New York City" pendant was awarded Silver in A' Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Eunnara Ko's design, admired for its strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcases a remarkable level of excellence and introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.
Project Designers: Olivia Eunnara Ko
Image Credits: Image #1: Designer/ Olivia Eunnara Ko(me)/ Main image,2016
Image #2: Designer/ Olivia Eunnara Ko(me)/ Detail cut 1,2016
Image #3: Photographer, Designer/ LEEROY.ca, Olivia Eunnara Ko(me)/Manhattan Skyline(ref), Side view, 2015
Image #4: Designer/ Olivia Eunnara Ko(me)/Product on Model,2016
Image #5: Photographer/ Anthony Quintano/NY on Air/2015 (ref)
Project Team Members: Olivia Eunnara Ko
Project Name: Coexistence
Project Client: Olivia Eunnara Ko