Come Together: A Bracelet Inspired by UmbrellasA Unique Design by Kaining Wang
People gather. I was inspired by noticing how individuals' umbrellas are placed together in umbrella bins when they come together in a space. Through observations in daily life and researching about umbrellas, both private ones and the bigger ones installed in public spaces, I created this bracelet composed of umbrellas that create spaces around the wearer's wrist for little figurines to gather under.
The Come Together bracelet, designed by Kaining Wang, is a stunning piece of jewelry that draws inspiration from the way umbrellas bring people together in public spaces. The bracelet features nine overlapping umbrellas of different heights and similar diameters, creating a space around the wearer's wrist. This space is where little figurines can gather and interact, revealing their stories and movements only when the bracelet is worn.
Umbrellas have long been symbols of shelter and protection, providing a private and separated space within a public environment. The Come Together bracelet captures this essence, allowing wearers and viewers to witness the interactions taking place under the umbrellas. It symbolizes the union of all social classes, genders, and ages, emphasizing the idea of people coming together in specific spaces.
The bracelet is meticulously crafted using 925 Silver, with brass wire used in the construction of each umbrella. Techniques such as centrifugal casting, soldering, and hinge making were employed to bring this unique design to life. With approximate dimensions of 30mm in width, 30mm in height, and 160mm in length, the bracelet is a wearable work of art.
Kaining Wang embarked on this design project in November 2017 and completed it in December 2017 in Providence, Rhode Island. Extensive research on the functions of umbrellas in a social context was conducted, gathering texts and images to inform the design process. The challenge lay in creating a design that effectively embodied the concept of people coming together in public spaces and conveyed the message to both the wearer and viewers of the piece.
The Come Together bracelet has received recognition for its creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2018. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.
With its unique concept and exquisite craftsmanship, the Come Together bracelet by Kaining Wang is a testament to the power of design in bringing people together and creating meaningful connections.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Kaining Wang
Image Credits: Kaining Wang
Project Team Members: Kaining Wang
Project Name: Come Together
Project Client: Kaining Wang