Engagement rings are often custom-designed, yet the boxes they come in are usually standard and unremarkable. Zabloski's Eclipse Ring Box challenges this norm. A simple twist opens the stainless steel mechanical iris and elevates the ring out of the box, creating a moment of surprise and awe. The beveled opening ensures ease-of-access and maximum light exposure for the ring's setting. Despite its complex inner workings, the Eclipse is designed to be easily carried and hidden.
The Eclipse Ring Box is not just about aesthetics; it's also about durability and functionality. The base is made from CNC milled aluminum that has been bead blasted and anodized with a natural finish to resist scratches. The outer shell is also CNC milled aluminum, bead blasted and anodized black. An industrial-strength ball-bearing ensures a lifetime of smooth operation.
Designing the Eclipse was not without its challenges. One of the major hurdles was finding a material strong enough yet flexible enough to act as the aperture blades. Stainless steel was the only material that met these requirements. Another challenge was designing all the parts to appear clean from the outside while accommodating a large degree of complexity inside.
The Eclipse Ring Box was designed and produced in Calgary, Alberta in 2016. It measures 66.7mm in diameter and 45mm tall. The design is patented in the United States and Canada, with patent numbers 15/788,317 and 2,983,262.
Zabloski's Eclipse Ring Box is a testament to the power of design and innovation. It's not just a container for an engagement ring; it's a memorable part of the proposal experience. As Zabloski puts it, "The Eclipse ring box is designed to be striking, simple and memorable." And with its recent win at the A' Packaging Design Award, it's clear that the design community agrees.
Project Designers: Matt Zabloski
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Allisha Sims, Untitled, 2018
Image #2: Photographer Allisha Sims, Untitled, 2018
Project Team Members: Matt Zabloski
Project Name: Eclipse
Project Client: Matt Zabloski