Capsule Ring Design: Concept 1, spray painted.

Cellular Jewelry

Individual Project

2023

For this project I wanted to create a vessel ring, similar to mourning and/or poison rings worn specifically during Georgian and Victorian Eras, that references disease facilities externally, whilst internally having a chosen disease’s cells hidden within the rings secret compartment. Additionally, I wanted the ring to provide mourning for the wearer and, also, appear visually aesthetic as to be inconspicuous.

Tropophobia Warning: Some illustrations and designs have depictions of small holes, viewer discretion is advised.

Cellular Jewelry PDF

For the full in-depth project process, research and development I have provided the project’s PDF here.

The initial idea stage of this project was done in groups. Determining different routes that could be taken. However, my idea of cellular jewelry was the direction I took for this project. After initial research I dived into the creative process.

After the initial sketches I moved onto prototypes. I had two different directions: a flat design that could be etched onto metal or a 3D capsule design.

Starting with the flat design etched onto the metal, I made two rings (small and large) and a necklace that had breast cancer cell patterns etched onto the metal. For this iteration, I wanted to further explore the cell shapes made by breast cancer. I found the pattern they make intriguing and wanted to explore implementing them into the design .

In addition I thought implementing these patterns within a ring design would allow for a more elegant and subtle appearance than a model cell or statistics. So, for this iteration I am solely focusing on this aspect. I want to create a simple modern ring with the cell patterns etched onto the surface for an elegant but subtle detail.

After completing the flat jewelry design, I explored the capsule ring design. This processes took further adjustments and prototypes due to intricate detail I wanted to include. Prior to making any 3D printed models, I had to make them digitally first.

Concept 1- Ring design with no capsule, top view

Concept 2- Ring design with removable lid

Concept 2- Ring design with removable lid, no lid

Concept 2- Ring design with removable lid, with lid opened

Concept 3- Ring design with hinge lid, close up on initial clasp

Concept 3- Ring design with hinge lid, close up on initial hinge

Concept 3- Ring design with hinge lid, close up on revised clasp

Concept 3- Ring design with hinge lid, close up on revised hinge

Concept 3- Ring design with hinge lid opened

After the 3D models were created, I then moved onto the 3D printed prototypes.

For these ring designs, I want to incorporate geometric design elements. Additionally, I want to incorporate the cellular pattern of breast cancer within the detailed areas of the designs for an elegant but subtle detail. To further emphasis this, I utilised a cancer cell as the clasp within the design. I thought this motif aided in the message. In addition I thought implementing these patterns within a ring design would allow for a more elegant and subtle appearance.

I wanted to create a simple modern ring with the cell patterns on the surface for an elegant but subtle detail. I also wanted to reference Victorian Era mourning rings through having a secret compartment that only the wearer would know, to add further connection to the individual.