Feather Earring: A Metamorphic Journey in Jewelry Design

Ece Cokca's Stelart Jewelry Transforms Unrelated Materials into a Story of Evolution

Feather Earring's inspiration comes from the concept of metamorphosis, often found in Greek mythology and nature. Cokca's design begins with a pearl, symbolizing the start of transformation. The pearl then transitions into a silver body, akin to a caterpillar's metamorphic journey. The final stage is represented by a feather, a completely unrelated material, signifying the completion of the transformation and the attainment of freedom.

What sets Feather Earring apart is its unique design and functionality. The earring connects to the ear in a distinct manner, with a pearl located at the back serving as the fixing point to the auricle. This design allows women without ear pinholes to wear the earring comfortably. Its simplicity and ease of wear add to its appeal, making it a versatile piece for various occasions.

The earring is crafted using sterling silver, pearl, and feather, with silversmithing as the primary technique. The choice of materials and their arrangement symbolize different stages of metamorphosis, with the pearl at the tip of the silver arc marking the beginning and the feather emerging from silver holes marking the end.

The design project, which started on October 7, 2016, and concluded on January 30, 2017, in Istanbul, was not without its challenges. Defining an abstract concept like metamorphosis in a physical design was a complex task. The decision on which materials to use and how to relate them to build a transforming pathway required careful consideration and creative problem-solving.

Feather Earring's innovative design and unique storytelling approach have not gone unnoticed. The design was awarded the Silver A' Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. This recognition serves as a testament to Cokca's creative prowess and her ability to push the boundaries of conventional jewelry design.