Neptunus Obelisk Bracelet: A Sculptural Jewelry Piece by Maddalena Rocco

An Exploration of Mankind's Inner World

The Neptunus bracelet, created by Italian goldsmith Maddalena Rocco, is a unique body ornament that doubles as a striking sculpture. Inspired by Neptunus, the God of the Seas, this piece delves into the depths of our inner world, using the image of the god as a metaphor. With its intricate design and symbolic elements, the Neptunus bracelet is a true masterpiece.

The Neptunus bracelet stands out with its distinctive features and exceptional craftsmanship. The focal point of the design is a fossil bone, found on an Italian beach, delicately supported by a silver rope. This body ornament can also be placed on a surface, serving as a captivating sculpture.

On the back of the bracelet, a mirroring triangular plate surface showcases the engraved figure of a young Neptune holding a trident. This detail adds a touch of mystique and symbolism to the piece, further emphasizing the exploration of our inner world.

The Neptunus bracelet is a testament to Maddalena Rocco's mastery of various techniques. The supporting structure, a navy rope, is created using the lost-wax casting technique. The sandy sea bed is represented by a silver oval waved plate and a gold drop. The raw half-sphere in silver adds depth and dimension to the design. The burin engraving technique, an ancient art form, is employed to create the symbolic images on the back plate.

Measuring 6 x 8 x 11 cm (H), the Neptunus bracelet is a unique piece of wearable art. It comes packed in a special jewelry tailor-made carton box, adding to the overall luxurious experience.

Designed to be both a jewelry piece and a sculpture, the Neptunus bracelet offers versatility in its use. It can be worn as a rigid slave bracelet for special occasions, or it can be placed vertically on any surface, becoming a captivating design object. When worn, it is suggested to place the fossil bone on the external side and the burin engraved surface on the internal side for maximum impact.

The Neptunus bracelet project took Maddalena Rocco approximately one year to complete. The initial inspiration came from finding the fossil bone on an Italian beach, which sparked the idea and set the creative process in motion. The most challenging aspect of the project was the burin engraving, requiring high skill and precision to achieve the desired perspective image. The welding of the various parts onto the supporting surface also required careful attention due to the differing thicknesses of the objects.

This remarkable design has garnered recognition and accolades. The Neptunus bracelet was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2018. This prestigious award celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

The Neptunus bracelet by Maddalena Rocco is a true masterpiece that combines artistry, symbolism, and craftsmanship. It invites us to explore the depths of our inner world and serves as a stunning adornment or a captivating sculpture, making it a truly unique and versatile piece.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Maddalena Rocco
Image Credits: Photographer Mario Liguigli
Project Team Members: Maddalena Rocco
Project Name: Neptunus Obelisk Bracelet
Project Client: Maddalena Rocco


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