Bronze Giftware Design · 2025
House of Smaragd Advent Box
by Rilind Hoxha and Haris Murich
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Giftware Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Smaragd 1969 / Why Agency
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 23,537
- Verification code E3BBB4C764 · Verify this award
About House of Smaragd Advent Box
House of Smaragd Advent Calendar is a structured countdown box made from ecological paper and sustainable materials, designed for repeated use. It contains four individually packaged jewelry pieces, each secured in separate compartments. Packaging is recyclable and reusable, reducing environmental impact. The box design allows for controlled access to each compartment, maintaining the element of surprise while keeping the items protected.
Rilind Hoxha's House of Smaragd Advent Box exemplifies the sophisticated intersection of seasonal giftware tradition and contemporary luxury packaging design, positioning itself within the established cultural practice of advent calendar ritual while elevating the typology through architectural branding language and material refinement that suggests premium confectionery, jewelry, or collector's edition product categories, the compositional achievement centers on a masterful deployment of two-tone chromatic restraint, wherein deep forest green establishes visual gravity and seasonal resonance while continuous gold linear illustration provides luminous counterpoint and decorative elaboration, the technical execution demonstrates accomplished integration of substrate color, metallic surface treatment through foil stamping or embossing processes, and precision registration that maintains crisp boundary definition throughout the intricate architectural rendering, the neoclassical building façade motif serves multiple communicative functions simultaneously, operating as brand signature, heritage narrative device, and symbolic framework that positions the product within traditions of establishment, permanence, and institutional authority, the architectural vocabulary draws upon recognizable elements of civic or residential grandeur including pedimented temple front, fluted columnar supports with detailed capitals, symmetrically arranged fenestration suggesting domestic scale and habitation, and decorative scrollwork that mediates between structural elements and ornamental embellishment, this visual language evokes both specific architectural precedent and generalized associations with enduring craftsmanship, classical proportion systems, and the material culture of built heritage, the strict bilateral symmetry governing the composition reinforces themes of balance, order, rationality, and formal dignity appropriate to brands seeking to communicate reliability, tradition, and measured luxury rather than experimental disruption, the integration of founding date '1868' within the architectural schema establishes temporal depth and suggests multi-generational continuity, positioning the brand within narratives of survival, evolution, and sustained excellence across historical epochs, the monogram centerpiece provides brand identity focus while the building imagery creates a memorable visual signature that transcends generic seasonal packaging conventions, achieving distinctive shelf presence and collector appeal, the square format selection demonstrates compositional intelligence, providing stable geometry that accommodates the centered architectural composition while suggesting substantial volumetric presence and gift-worthy heft, the visible corner reinforcements and edge details indicate structural consideration and finishing quality that extends beyond immediately visible primary surfaces, suggesting thoroughness and attention to the complete three-dimensional object experience, the cloudform or landscape undulation at the base of the architectural rendering introduces gentle organic rhythm that softens the geometric rigor of the structural elements above while providing compositional closure and grounding, this detail demonstrates sensitivity to visual balance and the integration of contrasting formal languages within unified design systems, the work invites consideration of how contemporary luxury brands negotiate relationships with historical visual vocabularies, deploying neoclassical architectural reference not as literal historicism but as symbolic resource for communicating values of permanence, craftsmanship, heritage, and institutional authority within competitive retail environments, viewers might reflect on the anticipatory pleasure embedded within advent calendar ritual, the daily progressive revelation structure that creates sustained engagement and cumulative narrative across the season, and how packaging design participates in constructing these experiences of measured disclosure, temporal marking, and ceremonial consumption, the piece encourages contemplation of the material and visual languages through which luxury, quality, and gift-worthiness are communicated within commercial contexts, the culturally specific associations activated by color choices, metallic finishes, architectural motifs, and compositional formality, and the ways packaging transcends mere protective enclosure to become significant object, brand ambassador, and participant in seasonal ritual and domestic celebration.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- House of Smaragd Advent Calendar is a structured countdown box made from ecological paper and sustainable materials, designed for repeated use. It contains four individually packaged jewelry pieces, each secured in separate compartments. Packaging is recyclable and reusable, reducing environmental impact. The box design allows for controlled access to each compartment, maintaining the element of surprise while keeping the items protected.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 164x164x42mm, Gold plated & ecologically colored recycled paper.
- Tags
- Christmas, Advent, Gifts, Jewelry, Marketing, Packaging.
- Production Technology
- Sketched and Produced in Adobe Illustrator. Print execution done by hand.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part was what the theme of the advent box was gonna be.
The first themes were including miracles and surprises, but then we opted for a royalty like direction, for example House of Tudor.
The second hardest part was creating an unique blueprint for the box, which was largely assisted by the production facility. - Project Duration
- The project piloted in 2023 for the 2024 season, and an initial prototype was released in limited quantities. The final presented version was produced in November 2024, and released on the 9th of December 2024. Production was primarily in Why Agency offices, while execution was done by AJ-Graf Matbaa in Skopje. The product was available for sale online and physically in the Smaragd stores in Skopje.
- Operation Flow
- The front part is opened and there are four boxes inside, which are removable. Each of the boxes contains a piece of jewelry.
- Research
- The research was mostly done online with some physical inspiration from vintage advent boxes found on flea markets.
- Inspiration
- The advent box takes inspiration from vintage advent boxes, incorporating a classic multi-compartment structure that enhances the anticipation of weekly reveals. Traditional advent calendars featured individually sealed sections, a concept replicated here with four separate compartments, each containing a unique jewelry piece.
- Image Credits
- Filip Shutarov
Colors of House of Smaragd Advent Box
Get House of Smaragd Advent Box
Design Interview about House of Smaragd Advent Box
The core idea was to create something more than packaging — an emotional experience. Inspired by both the magic of the holiday season and the timeless elegance of fine jewelry, we wanted to craft a calendar that feels like a treasured gift in itself. The principle was “built to be kept, designed to be felt.”
We focused on creating a luxurious, reusable object that holds emotional and functional value. Our goal was to combine the joy of unboxing with the prestige of premium jewelry — every compartment reveals a carefully curated piece.
We’re planning a limited series production for the upcoming holiday season, expanding on the same concept with new color palettes and product combinations. It will become a signature holiday tradition under Smaragd 1969.
Roughly 6 weeks from initial concept to final prototype. The longest part was balancing the structure, materials, and jewelry layout into one cohesive form.
It was initiated from within — a self-commissioned project driven by inspiration. We wanted to challenge the usual presentation formats for jewelry and offer something collectors could emotionally connect with.
We are producing and selling it ourselves under Smaragd 1969, our in-house jewelry brand. It’s a fully integrated concept from design to retail.
We saw a gap between luxury jewelry and meaningful presentation. Jewelry often comes in disposable boxes — we wanted to change that narrative by turning the packaging into part of the story.
We saw a gap between luxury jewelry and meaningful presentation. Jewelry often comes in disposable boxes — we wanted to change that narrative by turning the packaging into part of the story.
It targets discerning buyers — collectors, gift-givers, and individuals looking for exclusive, timeless jewelry presented in a thoughtful and reusable way.
Its emotional depth and permanence. Most advent-style products are temporary. Ours is designed to last — a collectible display box that can be reused year after year.
“House of Smaragd” is a nod to our roots and elegance. “Advent Calendar” gives the seasonal context. Together, it symbolizes a house of treasures revealed one day at a time.
We used Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for the visuals, 3D modeling for structure testing, and a mix of hand sketches to conceptualize the user experience.
The balance between function and emotional storytelling. It’s not just packaging — it’s a seasonal ritual, a collector’s piece, and a luxury display in one.
Yes, our internal team handled creative direction, but we also collaborated with structural engineers and packaging specialists to ensure durability and precision.
Technology allowed us to precisely test the structural elements digitally before production, minimizing waste and ensuring a premium user experience.
We conducted customer surveys and benchmarked premium packaging in the jewelry and gifting industries. This helped us understand what evokes emotional value and longevity.
Fitting high-value pieces in a compact structure while maintaining aesthetic appeal and security was a big challenge. We also had to find the right balance of materials — premium, but sustainable.
We believed this design had a story and a soul worth sharing. The A' Design Award felt like the perfect platform to validate that vision internationally.
It taught us that innovation can happen through emotional connection, not just function. We also learned how to balance storytelling, product, and packaging in one cohesive idea.
Only that this calendar is just the beginning. We’re exploring other limited editions — not just for holidays, but for milestones, birthdays, and life events. The calendar is not just a design — it’s a new format for storytelling through jewelry.
Grand Interview about House of Smaragd Advent Box
From the very beginning, our vision was to demonstrate that sustainability can enhance, rather than diminish, the feeling of luxury. We replaced traditional glossy and plastic-based materials with FSC-certified paper, water-based inks, and recyclable structures, while ensuring every detail — from the tactile texture to the sound of opening — retained a sense of refinement. The concept was built around longevity: instead of being discarded, the box could be repurposed as a jewelry chest, allowing the design to live on far beyond its first impression.
The inspiration came from the ritual of discovery that advent calendars represent — a daily act of anticipation and joy. We wanted to translate that emotional rhythm into the world of fine jewelry. Our research into vintage advent calendars from mid-century Europe helped us capture their narrative charm, which we then reimagined through clean geometry, precision folds, and modern proportions. This balance of past and present allowed us to create an object that evokes nostalgia while remaining unmistakably contemporary.
The structure was conceived as a symbolic journey through four chapters — each representing one of Smaragd 1969’s core values: heritage, craftsmanship, emotion, and modernity. We tested various modular layouts until finding a configuration that felt both balanced and ceremonial. The sequential opening of compartments creates a narrative flow, transforming unboxing into an experience of exploration — a quiet, elegant ritual that connects the user emotionally to each jewelry piece.
During the creative process, we realized that the essence of Smaragd 1969 is not in fleeting surprises, but in timeless elegance and sophistication. The royal direction emerged naturally from this realization, allowing us to emphasize deep, noble color palettes, gold foiling, and architectural symmetry. The transformation brought a sense of permanence and grace, aligning the concept more closely with Smaragd’s heritage — a house that celebrates refinement and legacy.
Working with AJ-Graf Matbaa was an essential part of realizing this vision. Translating our digital 3D concept into a tangible form required micro-millimeter precision in folds, drawer mechanics, and magnetic closures. Together, we refined over ten prototypes to achieve perfect alignment and durability. Their technical mastery allowed us to preserve every delicate design nuance while ensuring the box functioned flawlessly, reflecting both aesthetic harmony and engineering precision.
Our approach was to treat tradition and modernity not as opposites, but as complementary forces. We combined traditional printing and embossing craftsmanship with minimalist, architectural geometry. The tactile velvet paper and matte gold detailing recall classic jewelry boxes, while the clean forms and modular logic bring a distinctly modern identity. The result is an equilibrium that mirrors Smaragd’s essence — a brand where heritage meets innovation.
Among the most influential discoveries was a vintage perfume chest from Paris, featuring layered drawers and hand-lined interiors. Its hidden compartments inspired the multi-tier experience of our box. We also studied hand-crafted jewelry boxes where the imperfections of handmade details gave them soul. This insight guided us to keep a subtle human touch in an otherwise highly structured design — balancing precision with warmth.
The project challenges the traditional idea that luxury packaging must be excessive. We believe the future of luxury lies in emotional longevity and sustainable beauty — creating objects meant to be kept, not discarded. The Advent Box proposes a new model: packaging as heirloom. It sets a precedent for brands to see packaging as part of the collectible experience, merging craftsmanship, emotion, and environmental responsibility into one enduring form.
We conducted extensive testing with FSC-certified papers, biodegradable laminates, and vegan adhesives to find materials that offered both resilience and refinement. Each paper sample was evaluated for folding strength, texture memory, and compatibility with metallic foiling. The chosen combination achieved a tactile softness and structural firmness, delivering the sensory richness of luxury while meeting our sustainability standards.
The A’ Design Award recognition validated our belief that sustainability and storytelling can define the next era of luxury design. It inspired us to continue experimenting with modular systems, recyclable materials, and multi-sensory experiences that go beyond function. This acknowledgment not only celebrates our craftsmanship but also reinforces our mission at Why Agency and Smaragd 1969 — to design packaging that feels meaningful, timeless, and responsible.