Dome: A Unique and Handcrafted Brooch Inspired by Church Domes

Brooch Reflecting the Beauty of Church Architecture

Inspired by the piety from Jean Francois Millet's Evening Bell and the tragic fire at Notre Dame de Paris in 2019, designer HaiYu Tan created Dome, a set of hollow out and transparent brooches that resemble the majestic domes of churches. With a variety of colors, each brooch represents a different feeling, from the purity of a transparent dome in the morning to the peacefulness and meditation of a noctilucent dome at night.

What sets Dome apart is its metal folding craft, which showcases different scenes of church domes at different times of the day. Through techniques such as overlying, cutting, bending, and pressure, the metal surface undergoes various texture changes, creating a captivating combination of colors and a sense of depth. The hollow out design invites viewers to imagine an eternal dome, while the handcrafted details convey a sense of piety and tranquility.

The production of Dome involves the meticulous process of folding metal. Using materials such as S925 Silver, red copper, and metal oxidant, the brooches are made through a combination of smelting, forging, buckling, folding, welding, and polishing. The result is a stunning piece of jewelry that captures the essence of church architecture.

Measuring at 65mmx62mmx26mm, 65mmx65mmx29mm, and 63mmx63mmx32mm, each brooch in the Dome set is designed to be worn close to the heart. Despite their size, the hollow out craft allows the color and woven grain of the wearer's clothing to be visible. The double needle back of the brooch ensures stability when worn.

The creation of Dome began in April 2019, shortly after the Notre Dame fire. After three weeks of drafting, the brooches were meticulously crafted by the China Academy of Art and have never been publicly exhibited. The design process involved extensive research on metal folding techniques and church architecture, resulting in a unique and innovative piece of jewelry.

The metal folding technique used in Dome presented several challenges for the designer. Sheet metal can be difficult to fold, and multiple bending can cause cracking. Additionally, combining silver and red copper sheets through welding proved to be a complex task. Through constant experimentation and data analysis, these challenges were overcome, resulting in the successful realization of the brooches.

Dome is not only a testament to the designer's creativity and technical skills but also a reflection of the beauty and serenity found in church architecture. The handcrafted details and the incorporation of paper folding decoration add a fashionable touch to the brooches, making them truly unique and captivating.

With its innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship, Dome was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes the practicality, innovation, and professional quality of the design, contributing to a better world through its integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: HaiYu Tan
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Haiyu Tan, Dome, 2019. Image #2: Photographer Haiyu Tan, Dome, 2019. Image #3: Photographer Haiyu Tan, Dome, 2019. Image #4: Photographer Haiyu Tan, Dome, 2019. Video:Photographer Haiyu Tan, Dome, 2019.
Project Team Members: HaiYu Tan
Project Name: Dome
Project Client: HaiYu Tan


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