Meaningful Heart Jewelry: A Unique Concept to Perpetuate EmotionsA New Shape for Cherished Memories
First step into this direction was an event called Goldrausch - gold fever. Visitors were invited to bring their old silver or gold items and melt a nugget by themselves. Once a client came and sought advice about what to make out of her preloved gold. She didn't want to sell it, as it had belonged to her grandma, but she could not wear it. I remembered gold fever and asked her to make it into a heart-shaped melted nugget. The result was a beautiful little golden heart, which my client loved.
Meaningful Heart Jewelry, designed by Britta Schwalm, offers a fresh perspective on sentimental accessories. This unique concept takes old, cherished pieces of jewelry and transforms them into heart-shaped pendants, allowing the wearer to carry their memories close to their heart.
What sets Meaningful Heart Jewelry apart is its focus on repurposing preloved gold and silver. These pieces, often tucked away in jewelry boxes, hold sentimental value but are no longer fashionable. Schwalm's innovative design breathes new life into these forgotten treasures, creating a new piece of jewelry that preserves the emotions and memories attached to the original.
The process begins with the analysis of the gold or silver to ensure its authenticity. The material is then carefully arranged in a heart-shaped form on Schwalm's melting place. With the application of heat, the metal melts and can be shaped using a small stick. After cooling, the surface is polished to achieve a smooth or rough finish, depending on the customer's preference. For those who wish to preserve a specific piece of jewelry, Schwalm constructs a wire or panel to incorporate it into the heart shape.
Depending on the amount of material used, the melted heart measures approximately 5 mm to 5 cm in diameter. The rough, melted surface adds a unique touch to each piece, further enhancing its sentimental value.
Meaningful Heart Jewelry offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new accessories. By repurposing existing materials, the only cost incurred is for Schwalm's craftsmanship. The result is a personalized piece of jewelry that carries a lifetime of memories.
Since its inception in 2010, Meaningful Heart Jewelry has garnered recognition for its innovative approach. In 2017, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the design's practicality, innovation, and ability to meet professional and industrial requirements.
Meaningful Heart Jewelry is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of love, cherished memories, and sustainability. By repurposing preloved materials, Schwalm creates a connection between the past and the present, allowing individuals to carry their emotions with them wherever they go.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Britta Schwalm
Image Credits: Britta Schwalm
Project Team Members: Britta Schwalm
Project Name: Meaningful Heart
Project Client: Britta Schwalm