Rounded Cubes: The Origami-inspired Jewelry

Transforming Origami into Metal and Wood

Ten years ago, Ilan Garibi embarked on a journey to become an origami artist. His passion for folding paper led him to explore new possibilities beyond the traditional medium. Seven years ago, he presented his first lamp design on designboom, and since then, he has been pushing the boundaries of origami by folding unique materials such as metal, wood, glass, and leather. Now, Garibi brings his expertise to the smallest scale with his latest collection of jewelry.

The Rounded Cubes pendant is a testament to Garibi's mastery of the art of folding. It showcases the transformation of origami from paper to metal, with each piece meticulously hand-folded. The metal is etched with acid along the crease lines, allowing it to be shaped just like paper. This innovative technique makes it the only true folded metal and wood jewelry in the world.

To create the Rounded Cubes pendant, Garibi employs a photo etching process on brass. Starting with a flat sheet of brass, it is easily polished and then folded using the origami tessellation pattern. The pattern, an original creation by Garibi, is folded from a single sheet of material, resulting in a repetitive design with rotational symmetry.

Measuring 6 by 6 by 0.4 cm, the Rounded Cubes pendant is made of gold-plated brass. Its unique design and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout piece of jewelry. The pendant can be worn around the neck with a chain or cable, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Garibi's journey to make every possible flat material foldable has been a long-lasting project. His research delves into the technical aspects of folding wood and metal, while also exploring the design possibilities and presenting high-end, long-lasting products. Through his jewelry collection, Garibi aims to bring origami to the general public as a form of art and a starting point for creating unique and functional designs.

The creation of the Rounded Cubes pendant was not without its challenges. Garibi had to find the perfect combination of parameters, including the type of brass alloy, hardness, thickness, line width and density, jewelry size, origami design, and density of creases. Overcoming these challenges resulted in a truly remarkable piece of jewelry that showcases the beauty and versatility of folded metal.

With the Rounded Cubes pendant and his other folded metal and wood jewelry designs, Ilan Garibi has created a collection that merges the art of origami with the elegance of jewelry. Each piece is a testament to the transformative power of folding, showcasing the beauty and intricacy that can be achieved through this ancient art form.

Image Credits: Ilan Garibi

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Ilan Garibi

Awards and Accolades: The Rounded Cubes pendant was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Rounded Cubes pendant stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.