Thonet Tribute

Bracelet

The Thonet Tribute bracelet draws inspiration from Thonet's most popular design - a chair with a hand-woven cane seat and backrest and a wooden frame structure. The goal of this design was to incorporate the web pattern of the Thonet chair using metal as the main element of the jewelry.

What sets the Thonet Tribute bracelet apart is its use of a classic furniture design as its main headline. The metal sheet is carefully crafted to create empty elements that mimic the woven cane pattern, while the wooden detail adds a touch of warmth and contrast. The balance of materials and lightweight design make this bracelet both visually striking and comfortable to wear.

The Thonet Tribute bracelet is made using a combination of materials including brass, wood, and silver plating. The metal pieces are laser cut and bent into a cuff shape before being plated separately. The thin wooden sheet is then glued to the base metal, and the top metal element is fixed in place using small rivets.

With dimensions of 66mm in width, 55mm in depth, and 60mm in height, the Thonet Tribute bracelet weighs a mere 85g. It is designed to be worn as a body ornament on the wrist or lower forearm, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit.

The Thonet Tribute bracelet project started in September 2011 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After numerous sketches, alterations, and prototypes, the final design was launched in March 2012. Extensive research was conducted using a real woven cane chair to accurately capture the braided pattern and ensure the bracelet's authenticity.

The design process presented two significant challenges. The first was transforming the multi-layered braided fiber of the chair into a flat single metal sheet while maintaining the appearance of the woven cane web. The second challenge was finding a way to securely fix the top metal sheet to the base one, as welding was not an option due to the plated metals.

The Thonet Tribute bracelet has received recognition for its exceptional design. 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 showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Photography credits for the Thonet Tribute bracelet go to Ernane Pinho.