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Biroi Jewelry Collection by Miyu Nakashima
Biroi Jewelry Collection by Miyu Nakashima
Biroi Jewelry Collection by Miyu Nakashima
Biroi Jewelry Collection by Miyu Nakashima
Biroi Jewelry Collection by Miyu Nakashima

Miyu Nakashima

Silver Jewelry Design · 2021

Biroi Jewelry Collection

by Miyu Nakashima

  • A' Design Award 2021 Silver Winner in Jewelry Design
  • Awarded April 15, 2021
  • CLIENT: Miyu Nakashima
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 45,859
  • Verification code 4EBA3B3FC1 · Verify this award
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About Biroi Jewelry Collection

Biroi is a 3D printed jewelry series that is inspired by the legendary phoenix of the sky, who throws itself into the flames and reborn from its own ashes. Dynamic lines forming the structure and the Voronoi pattern spread on the surface symbolize the phoenix that revives from the burning flames and flies into the sky. Pattern changes size to flow over the surface giving a sense of dynamism to the structure. The design, which shows off a sculpture-like presence by itself, gives the wearer the courage to take a step forward by drawing out their uniqueness.

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Unique Properties
Biroi is a 3d printed jewelry series shaped with the architectural designer's perspective. Dynamic lines forming the structure and the Voronoi pattern spread on the surface symbolize the Phoenix that revives from the burning flames and flies into the sky. This pattern changes size to flow over the surface giving a sense of dynamism to the structure.
Dimensions & Packaging
Necklace: 95(W)x70(L)x4.7mm(D) and 340mm chain with 100mm extra slack.
Earrings: 22(W)x53(L)x5mm(D) / 4mm ball post.
Bracelet: Size xs, 60(W)x56(L)x65(D).
Ring: Size 4, 22(W)x36(L)x23(D).
Tags
3d printing, 3d printed jewelry, jewelry, wearable art, voronoi, contemporary jewelry, avant garde, parametric design
Production Technology
3d designed and 3d printed jewelry.
Material is 3d printed nylon, steel, and sterling silver/ sterling silver chain/ sterling silver ball post earring
Design Challenge
As a macro-scale architecture designer, Biroi collection is the first micro-scale jewelry I have created. My biggest challenge was to move the elegance I am familiar with from the heights of the macro dimension to the micrometric precision of 3d printing. In this process, I overcame the endless difficulties with endless passion, just like the Biroi philosophy.
Project Duration
The Biroi Collection started in Jun 2017 in Kyiv and finished in September 2019 in Tallinn.
Operation Flow
The design, which shows off a sculpture-like presence by itself, gives the wearer the courage to take a step forward by drawing out their uniqueness. Subtle yet powerful lines passing through the surface are visible by the reflection of light and delicate patterns reveal themselves when viewed closer. The expression of the work changes depending on the material, and the wearer can enjoy the elegant layers and textures established by the 3d printing.
Research
The objective of the research was to create a parametric, organic pattern that fits whole products(necklace, bracelet, earring, and ring) at the same time. I started analyzing and researching organic patterns in nature. As the main 3d parametric design software, I used the Grasshopper plugin for Rhino3d. It took me a lot of web research and experimentation to find the right parametric design formula that fits all products. After the design was completed, it was research time to find the best techniques for micro-scale 3d printing solutions without compromising the design. All these processes were part of my Biroi journey.
Inspiration
Biroi is inspired by the legendary Phoenix of the sky, who throws itself into the flames and reborn from its own ashes. As an artist, I can see the resemblance between our lives and the flames that ensure the eternal rebirth cycle of Phoenix. Biroi is the art that relates with people who continue to challenge themselves to perpetuate the flame of passion; It's the passion and courage that makes us keep moving forward while overcoming the difficulties.
Image Credits
Miyu Nakashima, 2019

Colors of Biroi Jewelry Collection

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Contemporary 3D Printed Jewelry

We create architectural jewelry using advanced 3D printing technology, blending parametric design with wearable art. Our pieces feature dynamic organic patterns inspired by nature and architecture, crafted for those who appreciate contemporary design and innovative manufacturing techniques.

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Design Interview about Biroi Jewelry Collection

I often get inspired by my architectural designer experiences, and from the organic shapes that exist in nature.

By transferring this award-winning design into the metaverse, I plan to create a macro-scale architectural space experience from it.

almost 2 years

It's purely an abstract reflection of my architectural background.

Anyone who admires art and design.

For the production, I collaborated with the 3D printing service provider, Shapeways.

The objective of the research was to create a parametric, organic pattern that fits whole products(necklace, bracelet, earring, and ring) at the same time. I started analyzing and researching organic patterns in nature. As the main 3d parametric design software, I used the Grasshopper plugin for Rhino3d. It took me a lot of web research and experimentation to find the right parametric design formula that fits all products.

As a macro-scale architecture designer, BIROI collection is the first micro-scale jewelry I have created. My biggest challenge was to move the elegance I am familiar with from the heights of the macro dimension to the micrometric precision of 3d printing.

Grand Interview about Biroi Jewelry Collection

My background in interior architecture shaped how I approach jewelry as spatial design. When creating Biroi, I imagined the human body as a space and each piece as an architectural object that inhabits it. This mindset helps me explore structure, rhythm, and materiality on a micro scale. Parametric tools allow me to express these ideas through fluid yet intentional forms.

Unlike rigid geometric patterns like triangles or grids, I chose Voronoi for its organic, living quality. Its fluid transitions from dense to open cells create a dynamic, flame-like surface that captures the essence of the phoenix's rebirth. It feels alive, constantly transforming, just like the myth itself. This natural flow makes it the perfect visual language to express regeneration through movement and form.

Biroi began when I started my nomadic journey. Living across multiple countries taught me how to reset mentally, observe with fresh eyes, and seek patterns beyond cultural borders. Rather than drawing from local traditions, I found inspiration in architecture, especially the structural harmony of Islamic ornament and European forms. Biroi reflects this mental state: fluid, transitional, and free from fixed identity.

The biggest challenge was matching material properties with Biroi's concept. Each 3D printing material has its own limits, like minimum thickness or how it handles fine details. Nylon gave a clean surface that made the design stand out sharply, while steel showed visible print lines. At first, this seemed like a flaw, but it added unexpected texture and depth. Understanding these traits took time and testing, so finishing the first Biroi pieces was a long, trial-based process.

I developed a parametric rule that allows the Voronoi pattern to shrink toward a defined point on any 3D surface. By controlling this point and the density flow, I could apply the same system across multiple pieces, ensuring visual consistency. Yet each form reacts differently based on its geometry, so every piece still has a unique expression. This method gave me both freedom and structure in shaping the Biroi Collection.

Biroi's geometry captures and breaks light to cast delicate shadows on both the body and surrounding space. Its perforated structure lets light pass through, projecting patterns that blur the line between jewelry and sculpture. I design with this spatial interaction in mind: the piece isn't complete until it merges with its environment, especially the body. This dynamic light play reinforces Biroi's identity as wearable architecture.

Biroi isn't designed as a decorative accessory. It's a bold object that claims presence. I wanted the wearer to feel like the phoenix: someone who has faced difficulty and still rises with strength. The form is unapologetically sculptural, meant to echo inner resilience. Wearing Biroi is a declaration. It's for those who move forward with courage and refuse to disappear. The design embodies that defiance through structure, weight, and form.

Biroi began as a single necklace, not a full collection. But over two years, while moving between cities almost monthly, I kept revisiting and refining the concept. Each shift in place gave me mental distance to reassess, while Tallinn became the moment of stillness where I finalized the forms and clarified the story. The collection grew slowly, shaped by constant movement, time, and the realization that this piece held more meaning than I first imagined.

For me, 3D printing removed limitations rather than adding them. Using professional services allowed me to focus almost entirely on design without worrying about mold constraints or production logistics. The materials offered both durability and comfort, which supported my vision of creating sculpture-like pieces that are still wearable. Rather than balancing trade-offs, the technology became a tool that amplified freedom and precision in my creative process.

3D printing shifts jewelry from a craft defined by technique to one open to any designer with a strong concept. It removes traditional barriers, enabling more designers to enter the field. From an architectural perspective, thinking in terms of structure, composition, and spatial context brings a new dimension to jewelry design. The scale may be small, but the design logic remains rich. I believe this fusion of digital fabrication and architectural thinking will redefine what jewelry can be.

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