Goldwater: A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Chinese Culture

Lingsong Jin's Award-Winning Pendant Design Merges Yin-Yang Philosophy with Minimal Surface Form

The Goldwater pendant is a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese culture. Unlike many designs that reflect the combination of traditional Western culture and modern design, Goldwater stands out with its Eastern cultural roots. The design embodies the Yin-Yang philosophy, conveying a dynamic spirit of the Universe. The pendant's form is reminiscent of minimal surfaces, which are surfaces that minimize total surface area subject to some constraint. These surfaces are often seen in soap films formed by dipping a wire frame into a soap solution.

The pendant was created using Rhino/Grasshopper and 3D printing technology. The physical pendant was first printed in wax to create a core. This was followed by a lost wax process to acquire the coarse gold sample, which was then hand-polished to perfection. The pendant is made from 18 carat gold and weighs approximately 7.9 grams. It comes in a hexagonal wood box package with a rope and tags inside.

The design process began in December 2017 in Beijing and was completed in February 2018. The design's unique properties and strengths lie in its modern interpretation of traditional Chinese culture, the use of parametric design to express Yin-Yang philosophy, and the application of a ripple-like pattern grown based on the shape of the surface. The pendant can be worn on a necklace or bracelet, thanks to two penetrated holes that form part of the design itself.

Creating the Goldwater pendant was not without its challenges. After 3D printing and die-casting, the pendant had to be hand-polished. The pattern was too small to be polished, leading to several modifications in size and shape. Despite these challenges, the design was well-received, with many associating it with the design inspirations that Lingsong Jin intended to convey.

In conclusion, the Goldwater pendant by Lingsong Jin is a remarkable piece of jewelry that beautifully merges traditional Chinese philosophy with modern design techniques. Its unique design, which won the Silver A' Jewelry, Eyewear and Watch Design Award in 2018, is a testament to the designer's creativity and technical expertise. The pendant serves as a symbol of the dynamic spirit of the Universe, making it a truly special piece for its wearer.