Platinum Jewelry Design · 2025
Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch
by Esra Erciyes
- A' Design Award 2025 Platinum Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Esra Ercİyes
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,023,657
- Verification code 4124A1EB98 · Verify this award
About Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch
Inspired by the immortality cycle of the Turritopsis Dohrnii jellyfish, this jewelry begins at the radial artery, gracefully curving in a semicircular form, ending at the center of the neck. Featuring diamond reflections and LED lights, the design creates a magnificent display, continuously mimicking the jellyfish's elegant movements, creating a hypnotic illusion and transforming the piece into a work of art. Powered by a small battery and motor, the jewelry is planned to run on solar energy in the future, emphasizing sustainability while offering the privilege of wearing a work of art.
Positioned within the contemporary tradition of art jewelry that bridges decorative excellence with conceptual depth, the Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch by Esra Erciyes represents a sophisticated meditation on botanical forms translated through the vocabulary of precious metalwork. The piece demonstrates remarkable technical accomplishment in its integration of multiple construction methodologies, combining the structural integrity of a rigid torque collar with the complex articulation of numerous individual floral components that together form a cohesive sculptural statement. Each flower module exhibits meticulous attention to surface treatment, featuring delicate perforations that create a lace-like transparency while maintaining structural resilience, a technique that suggests deep engagement with historical filigree traditions reinterpreted through contemporary design sensibilities. The designer's compositional intelligence is evident in the balanced asymmetry of the pendant's arrangement, where individual blossoms cluster with apparent organic spontaneity while maintaining careful visual weight distribution. The wire extensions radiating outward introduce kinetic potential, suggesting gentle movement with the wearer's breath and gesture, thus transforming the static object into a dynamic presence. Thematically, the work appears to explore the relationship between natural growth patterns and human artifice, the eternal botanical cycle rendered immortal in gold. The title itself invites contemplation of permanence and transcendence, suggesting that secrets held within natural forms might be revealed through the transformative act of artistic creation. The warm chromatic unity of the gold against the model's skin establishes an intimate dialogue between adornment and wearer, while the dramatic contrast with the black garment frames the piece as a focal point of visual and symbolic significance. Viewers are invited to consider how jewelry functions as both personal expression and cultural artifact, carrying forward ancient traditions of metalworking while articulating distinctly contemporary aesthetic values.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Developed as the necklace of the future, this versatile piece of jewelry can be worn as both a necklace and a brooch. Unlike traditional necklaces, it rotates vertically in a 360 degree motion, reflecting the natural movement of marine life. It starts at the left carotid artery and wraps around the neck in a half-circle. The pendant can be detached and worn as a brooch. Powered by LED lighting and a battery, it is planned to operate on solar energy in the future.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Necklace 141,22 X 53,10 X 260,69
Broosh 94,96 X 53,10 X 94,96 - Tags
- Secret of Eternity, Necklace, Brooch, mobile, futuristic, surrealism, art nouveau
- Production Technology
- The design was created using the Matrix program and cast in 18K gold. The ajour technique was applied to achieve lightweight components. The movement mechanism was constructed with a motor and gears, powered by a battery. LED lights were integrated into the design, and diamond stones were used.
- Design Challenge
- Synchronizing vertical movement was the biggest challenge. Integrating the motor and battery without compromising the aesthetics and reflecting the organic identity of a jellyfish in mechanical jewelry were difficult. Many prototypes resolved the issues. Initially, I aimed for solar power, but due to technological limitations in jewelry, it runs on a battery. Manufacturers and designers commented that my idea was impossible to produce.
- Project Duration
- This design project started in September 2022 in Istanbul and was completed in September 2023. On October 7, 2023, it received an award at the 13th edition of the Next Horizon themed jewelry design competition organized by the Jewelry Exporters Association. The design was exhibited at the IJS Istanbul Jewelry Show from October 01,07 2023, and was also displayed at Yon Kuyumculuk, the jewelry company that produced the design. Additionally, it continues to be exhibited at the Jewelry Exporters Association.
- Operation Flow
- This design was created using the Matrix 3D Program and crafted with ajour technique for lightness in 18K gold. Additional gears were added to the vertical motor system for horizontal motion. Infinity curves were optimized, and a lightweight motor and battery power the jellyfish's movement and light. With a removable pin and easy lock system, it can transform into a brooch. The mechanical structure turns into an organic form through visual illusion.
- Research
- The Turritopsis Dohrnii jellyfish, known for its biological mechanism of regeneration, has the ability to transform its cells back to their original state, reversing its aging process. This remarkable capability links it to human biological processes such as aging, cell regeneration, and even biotechnology research. By integrating the concept of "infinite cycles" in design, it opens the door for both artistic and practical applications in various fields
- Inspiration
- This jewelry piece is inspired by the infinite life cycle of Turritopsis Dohrnii, a species of jellyfish capable of reverting from the adult medusa stage to the polyp stage, making it biologically immortal. The rotating curves symbolize infinite life, while the LED lights represent energy and purity. The necklace gracefully wraps around the neck in a semi-circle, ending at the jugular to highlight the source of life. Designed to function both as a necklace and a brooch, it is a functional work of art that symbolizes the endless cycle of life.
- Image Credits
- Main image #1, Jewelry Designer Esra Erciyes/ 2022
Jewelry Production Team Sinan Yon, Recep Ustbas, Esra Erciyes /Jewelry Company Owner Sinan Yon ,Yon Jewelry Company 2022
Photographer/ Company Truva Visual Arts, Art Director /Cüneyt Aslan,Edited / Aysenur Sentürk, Secret Of Eternity, 2023
Optional Image #1,Jewelry Designer, Concept Creator / Esra Erciyes ,Photographer/ Photographer/ Company Truva Visual Arts, Art Director /Cüneyt Aslan, Secret Of Eternity 2023
Optional Image #2, Jewelry Designer / Esra Erciyes , Photographer/ Company Truva Visual Arts, Art Director /Cüneyt Aslan,Edited / Aysenur Sentürk,Secret Of Eternity 2023
Optional Image #3 Jewelry Designer Esra Erciyes/ Photographer/ Company Truva Visual Arts, Art Director /Cüneyt Aslan,Edited / Aysenur Sentürk, Secret Of Eternity 2023
Optional Image #4 Jewelry Designer, / Esra Erciyes ,Photographer/ Company Truva Visual Arts, Art Director /Cüneyt Aslan, Edited / Ayşenur Şentürk ,Secret Of Eternity 2023
Colors of Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch
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Design Interview about Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch
Secret of Eternity” was designed inspired by Turritopsis Dohrnii, the immortal jellyfish. This design, which expresses the infinite cycle of life, uses a continuous rotating form that reflects the jellyfish’s graceful movements.
LED lights were preferred to reflect the mesmerizing color transitions. These lights symbolically refer to a future where diamonds may no longer be found. Still, diamonds, which have an eternal life, were included in the design. Natural and technological elements were combined to create a design of the future.
It is planned that in the future, the motion and LED light energy will be powered by solar energy
LED lights were preferred to reflect the mesmerizing color transitions. These lights symbolically refer to a future where diamonds may no longer be found. Still, diamonds, which have an eternal life, were included in the design. Natural and technological elements were combined to create a design of the future.
It is planned that in the future, the motion and LED light energy will be powered by solar energy
In this design, I imagined creating the illusion of movement and finding a different path in jewelry. I wanted it to be more than just a piece of jewelry — I envisioned it as a work of art carried on the human body.
Additionally, I aimed to express the harmony between nature and humanity through this piece.
Additionally, I aimed to express the harmony between nature and humanity through this piece.
I truly believe that this design is a pioneering step that will inspire future jewelry creations. To me, a design is never just an ornament.It is a reflection of our perspective on the world, the way we express ourselves, and the energy we carry. With this piece, I wanted to explore how we can approach a piece of jewelry from an entirely new perspective. In the future, I plan to develop a full collection based on this concept and of course, it will be powered by nature itself: the sun.
The design itself took almost six months to complete, and production took another six months. It was definitely a challenging dream to realize, but I’m so happy it came true.
I wanted to show that all the answers mankind seeks in its pursuit of eternal life can actually be found in nature. With the illusion I created, I aimed to transform the piece into a visual feast and design a piece of jewelry unlike anything done before. Secret Of Eternity was conceived as a design of the future. I envision the future in a functional and unconventional way
I wanted to design a mesmerizing piece of jewelry—one that tells a story and captivates with its visual allure.
Right now, I can imagine this design being worn at an award ceremony or becoming part of a film’s storyline. It’s a truly special piece of jewelry.
Its story, the lights, and the visual illusion it creates are all part of what makes this piece unique. This jewelry gracefully imitates a living creature. It reflects life, breathing, and eternity with elegance.
I gave the name 'Secret Of Eternity' to tell the story of eternal life and the secret of immortality of the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii, which has eternal life
It is completely unique in itself.
Definitely, I produced this design with Yön Jewelry Company, based in Istanbul, Turkey, and they supported me greatly in this process. They brought my dream design to life. Working with a strong perspective was quite special. I believe you cannot create such a design with just anyone. Since today’s jewelry tends to be more static and conventional, working with the right company and a team that understands you was amazing for me.
Actually, I received an email from A’Design Award after they saw my design. They recommended and encouraged me to submit such a strong design to the competition. That’s how I decided to participate. The story of 'Secret Of Eternity' already reflects a miracle of nature. This miracle deserved to be recognized internationally. I wanted to contribute to that recognition with this design.
I thought it was impossible in the design. I learned that it is actually possible.
Grand Interview about Secret of Eternity Necklace and Brooch
In the design of “The Secret of Infinity”, my aim was not merely to create a piece of jewelry, but to make visible the essence of life that constantly transforms and is reborn within itself. When I discovered the immortality cycle of the Turritopsis Dohrnii jellyfish, its graceful and rhythmic movements offered me a metaphor that expresses the continuity of life. To translate this movement into jewelry form, I combined light, mechanical systems, and the flow of form.During the design process, the light of the LED illumination was orchestrated to merge with the permeability of the metal, evoking the jellyfish’s inner glow. The mechanical system was synchronized with a breathing, pulsating rhythm, much like the contraction and relaxation of living tissue. Throughout the transition from drawing to prototype, I conducted numerous technical experiments; at each stage, I sought to capture both aesthetic balance and nature’s perfect cycle. As a result, what emerged was not merely a piece to be worn, but a living piece of jewelry that interacts with time itself.
In this design, the transformable form was born from a desire to reflect the ever-changing nature of life itself. The foundation of “The Secret of Infinity” lies in the idea that nothing in nature is static — everything is in a constant state of transformation. The transition from necklace to brooch symbolizes this cycle, representing continuous renewal.At the same time, I wanted to offer the wearer a sense of freedom. The jewelry’s ability to shift form allows it to be redefined according to one’s mood, style, and moment. The brooch form creates a more direct connection with the human body; when worn near the heart, the mechanical movement mirrors the rhythm of the human heartbeat.Through this connection, the design not only reflects the life cycle of the jellyfish but also embodies the rhythm of human life and the unity between nature and humankind.By transforming nature into a wearable form, it allows it to live and move with the person who wears it. In this way, the jewelry becomes not merely an adornment, but a piece that breathes with its wearer — merging the human body with the living essence of nature.
This design was born as a rebellion against the disbelief and fear of creativity that often exist in traditional jewelry making. My unconventional ideas were frequently dismissed, and The Secret of Infinity became my response — a statement proving that any idea can be realized when approached with enough vision and determination.Of course, the vision and belief of the craftsmen you work with are just as important as the idea itself. In this sense, I was truly fortunate. Sinan Bey and Recep Bey from Yön Jewelry wholeheartedly believed in my concept and supported me throughout the process. Thanks to their faith, what once seemed impossible became reality.The coexistence of LED light, mechanical movement, and a delicate form pushed far beyond the boundaries of conventional jewelry craftsmanship. Yet for me, this piece was not merely an aesthetic pursuit, but a process of redefining what “impossible” means.Throughout countless technical trials and prototype experiments, I persisted. Each failed attempt revealed a new way to make the system more efficient, lighter, and more harmonious. Designing a motorized mechanism on a jewelry scale, balancing the interaction between LED light and metal, and concealing the entire system beneath an elegant surface required patience and deep technical intuition.Ultimately, this journey taught me that design is not just an idea — it is a process built through faith and perseverance. In that sense, The Secret of Infinity became both a technical achievement and a manifesto of creation through belief.
In this design, I chose 18-karat gold for technical reasons; its durability and workability made it compatible with the mechanical system and LED lighting. My goal was to unite technology with craftsmanship to achieve a softer and more fluid form.
When designing The Secret of Infinity, I was inspired by the nature of Turritopsis Dohrnii, a jellyfish that represents the cycle of life. For me, using a sustainable energy source was a natural continuation of this concept. From the very beginning, I envisioned the piece to be powered by solar energy, because I believe that life should draw its strength not from external sources, but from nature itself.However, today’s jewelry industry still operates within limited technical boundaries, and it was not possible to access the necessary resources and expertise for solar integration. Therefore, I temporarily adapted the idea to a battery system. Yet my true intention was for the jewelry, just like nature itself, to generate its own energy — to be self-sustaining and alive.For me, sustainability is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a way of redefining design with a consciousness that respects nature. A solar-powered mechanism would have turned this jewelry into a living organism — one that breathes, feeds on light, and continues its own rhythm.At its core, this design serves as a reminder to humanity, which so often ignores the power of nature. The greatest designer is, in truth, Allah — and it is our role to recognize the strength within His creation and draw inspiration from it. In this sense, The Secret of Infinity stands as a statement about embracing the potential of the world we are given, challenging perceived limits, and transforming what seems impossible into reality.
While shaping the form of “The Secret of Infinity”, I wanted to make the rhythm of the human body and the inner cycle of life visible. The placement of the design around the carotid artery in a half-circle shape is no coincidence; this area carries the heartbeat — the very vibration of life.With this placement, I aimed to transform the jewel from a mere ornament into a form of bodily awareness. Having light and movement where the heart beats allows the life energy to become visible.At the same time, this position symbolizes the cyclical connection between humans and nature — because everything begins and ends with that single pulse. “The Secret of Infinity” expresses the continuity of life and the rhythm of existence by merging with the human body.
In “The Secret of Infinity,” I used the ajour technique not merely as decoration but as a structural language. It allowed light to pass through the metal, creating both lightness and visual depth, while revealing the inner rhythm of the design.This traditional method became a bridge between craftsmanship and modern technology — carving out the metal was not about removing material, but about creating space for light and energy to flow. In this way, the piece transformed into a form that breathes and feels alive.
Winning the Platinum A’ Design Award with this piece carries an important message for the future of wearable art and technological jewelry.With “Secret of Eternity,” what I wanted to express is that jewelry is no longer merely an aesthetic object; it can become a living entity — one that unites light, movement, energy, form, and emotion within the human body.In the coming era, jewelry design will be shaped by the questions: “How much does it live, how much does it make us feel, and how much meaning does it carry?”Because jewelry is no longer just something that adorns the body — it’s something that communicates with it, synchronizes with its rhythm, and merges with nature, technology, and the human spirit.In technological jewelry, micro light systems, minimal motor mechanisms, and sustainable energy sources will increasingly take place.Yet beyond technical innovation, designs with emotional and philosophical depth — those that question existence itself — will come to the forefront.With “Secret of Eternity,” I believe this approach will encourage the bold exploration of ideas once deemed “impossible” and expand both the technical and conceptual boundaries of jewelry art.This award, in that sense, marks the beginning of a new era.
This piece was born from a desire to unite the poetry of the past with the mystery of the future.The Art Nouveau influence represents the flowing lines and organic harmony of nature — for me, it symbolizes the unity between human and nature, expressing the continuous rhythm of life.Surrealism, on the other hand, inspired me with its courage to make the invisible visible — allowing me to transform subconscious imagery, symbols, and intuition into a tangible form.The fusion of these movements gave the design both emotional and conceptual depth.However, I didn’t want to leave this visual language in the past; I wanted to build a bridge that carries it into the future.That’s why I integrated futuristic elements such as light, mechanical motion, and energy within organic forms.In this way, “Secret of Eternity” creates a timeless narrative — balancing the artistic sensitivity of the past with the technological potential of the future.
While designing “The Secret of Infinity,” I realized that the future of jewelry will no longer be defined solely by material, gemstone, or form — but by emotion, experience, and interaction.The design process showed me that technology, when approached with the right intention, doesn’t weaken the soul of design; it can actually make it deeper and more meaningful. Jewelry is no longer just an object to be worn — it becomes a living entity that tells its story through light, movement, and energy.I believe the jewelry of the future will no longer make us ask “How valuable does it look?”, but rather “How alive is it, how much does it make us feel, and how much meaning does it carry?”