Portuguese Story: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Diana Vieira da Silva's Award-Winning Jewellery Collection

Diana Vieira da Silva, a talented designer, has successfully bridged the gap between the past and the present in her collection, Portuguese Story. She has drawn inspiration from the originality of Portuguese art and architecture, specifically interpreting the structure of a sixteenth-century church ceiling. This innovative approach has resulted in a collection that is unique and contemporary, yet deeply rooted in Portuguese cultural heritage.

The collection stands out for its unique properties. The designer's primary goal was to link jewellery to architecture and Portuguese cultural heritage, but with a modern twist. This has been achieved through the use of design techniques such as hand drawing, CAD design, 3D printing in wax, hand modelling, gold casting, gemstones setting, and handcrafted finishing. The materials used include 19.2 kt pink gold and a variety of gemstones, including diamonds, tsavorites, peridots, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and quartz.

The technical specifications of the designs are meticulously detailed. The dimensions of the various pieces, including bands, rings, earrings, and bracelets, have been carefully calibrated to ensure the perfect balance of aesthetics and comfort. The ribs' geometry results in very light pieces of jewellery that can be worn casually or at elegant events.

The project, which started in August 2013 in Porto, was completed in March 2015. The collection was first exhibited in September 2014. The underlying research focused on how to establish a contemporary and universal Portuguese identity. The materialization explored ways to use the latest technologies alongside traditional jeweller techniques.

The main challenge in creating this collection was transferring the design geometry to an integrated algorithm in the 3D modelling program. This tool was essential to adapt the design to different forms of jewellery, such as rings, earrings, and pendants. The 3D model also allowed for the generation of multiple alternatives and the study of important variables, such as the weight of the parts, which were designed to be as light as possible while maintaining high quality standards.

In conclusion, Portuguese Story is a remarkable collection that beautifully links jewellery, architecture, and Portuguese cultural heritage. Diana Vieira da Silva's innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail have resulted in a collection that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also pays homage to Portugal's rich cultural history. The collection's recognition with the Golden A' Design Award is a testament to its exceptional design and craftsmanship.