Touch: A Ring That Tells a Story

Yumiko Yoshikawa's Award-Winning Design Celebrates Connection and Individuality

Yoshikawa's Touch is more than just a ring; it's a narrative of human connection. The design features two curves joined together, reminiscent of two people holding hands. This simple yet powerful symbol represents cooperation, celebration of individuality, and the deep connections between people. The ring's design changes its aspect when rotated on the finger, offering a fresh impression from different angles. When the connected parts are positioned between the fingers, the ring appears either yellow or white. When they are positioned on the finger, both colors can be enjoyed together.

Creating Touch was a meticulous process that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The design was first drawn in CAD, 3D printed in wax, and cast to produce a master sample silver model and a mold. An 18K gold curve and a platinum curve were then cast from the mold, cut, bent, and finally soldered together by hand to create a specific ring size. The ring's unique design features four ends, each with five facets added for wearability and design accent. These 20 small facets were carefully hand-polished before and after soldering, demonstrating Yoshikawa's commitment to precision and quality.

The Touch ring is a testament to Yoshikawa's innovative approach to jewelry design. Her inspiration came from the challenge of expressing warm, formless feelings with cold, solid metal. The result is a piece of jewelry that not only looks stylish and elegant but also carries a deep emotional resonance. The ring's design, which suggests two people holding hands, is a powerful symbol of love, friendship, care, and respect.

Yoshikawa's design process for Touch was informed by careful research and problem-solving. She experimented with different methods to find the most practical way to size the ring, considering factors such as cost and manufacturing process. She also faced technical challenges in manufacturing, such as polishing the small facets on the ring's ends and soldering the two metals together. Despite these challenges, Yoshikawa was able to maintain high craftsmanship and respect for her design concept.

The Touch ring is a shining example of Yoshikawa's design philosophy, which values genuine materials, versatility, and durability. It's a piece of jewelry to be treasured, offering its owners a fresh impression and feeling in everyday life. With its unique design and emotional resonance, Touch is more than just a ring - it's a celebration of connection and individuality.