Bronze Jewelry Design · 2025
Shrimps Earrings
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Nana Watanabe
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 29,132
- Verification code B4ECEC7F67 · Verify this award
About Shrimps Earrings
A paper pattern is created, and the design is programmed into a computer for embroidery. After embroidering on organza fabric, it is heat cut and folded like origami to form a three dimensional shape. The piece is lightweight yet maintains a sturdy structure, ensuring it retains its shape during storage and wear. The careful selection of materials and expert craftsmanship recreate the natural texture and movement of a shrimp, with particular attention to details such as the eggs in the abdomen. The use of gradient dyed rayon thread captures the enchanting beauty of marine life.
Nana Watanabe's Shrimps Earrings engage the rich tradition of zoomorphic ornament while simultaneously participating in contemporary movements that dissolve boundaries between fine craft, wearable sculpture, and conceptual design, this singular piece demonstrating how textile-based jewelry practices extend historical precedents of soft adornment into twenty-first-century material discourse. The compositional achievement manifests through the designer's successful translation of a recognizable marine creature into wearable form while maintaining both biological specificity and decorative abstraction, the segmented architecture echoing actual shrimp morphology through articulated sections that suggest carapace, thorax, and tail while rendering these anatomical features in embroidered textile that fundamentally transforms material expectations for jewelry. The chromatic sophistication reveals itself through restrained pastel relationships that avoid both cloying sweetness and chromatic chaos, the aquamarine substrate providing cool luminosity against which warmer coral, yellow, and varied blue accent bands create gentle thermal contrast, each color precisely controlled in saturation to maintain overall tonal harmony, this chromatic discipline suggesting the designer's awareness of how color intensity affects wearability and versatility in personal adornment contexts. Technical facility emerges through the dimensional embroidery work that constructs relief texture across the form's surface, these raised stitched bands requiring considerable skill to execute with the evident regularity and precision visible in the composition, the uniformity of stitch tension and spacing indicating practiced expertise, while the overall form-building demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how flexible textile materials can achieve sculptural presence through strategic reinforcement, internal structure, and careful manipulation. The thematic territory this work explores encompasses multiple resonant domains: the elevation of humble creatures into precious objects invites contemplation of value assignment and aesthetic democracy, the choice of shrimp rather than conventionally beautiful butterflies or exotic birds suggesting democratic vision that finds formal elegance in overlooked entities, while the textile methodology connects to global traditions of fabric-based jewelry from Chinese silk knot ornaments to Central Asian textile talismans, positioning contemporary practice within deep craft lineages. The whimsical dimension operates without trivializing either subject or technique, instead achieving that delicate balance where playfulness coexists with serious craft commitment and technical accomplishment, the work's charm deriving from unexpected material translation rather than cartoonish exaggeration, maintaining recognizable shrimp morphology while clearly declaring its status as textile construction rather than naturalistic representation. One might observe how wearing such pieces transforms the wearer into curator of miniature textile sculptures, the jewelry functioning simultaneously as personal adornment and mobile gallery for contemporary craft innovation, while the work's delicate presence and evident handwork invite closer inspection that rewards sustained attention with revelation of subtle chromatic shifts and textural variation, perhaps prompting consideration of how contemporary jewelry practices expand beyond precious metal and gemstone traditions to encompass diverse material vocabularies and conceptual frameworks that challenge conventional definitions of value, beauty, and appropriate adornment, ultimately asking viewers and potential wearers to reconsider what materials and subjects merit transformation into precious wearable objects and how craft virtuosity manifests across traditional and innovative technical approaches.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This design uses flat embroidered organza fabric, cut and folded to create a three-dimensional shrimp effect. Intricate folds, like origami, form the pattern. The design includes translucent eggs visible on the shrimp's abdomen. The structure incorporates air, making it much lighter than it appears. These unique features combine traditional embroidery with innovative folding methods to achieve a distinctive and delicate aesthetic.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Dimensions: Approximately 5cm x 8.5cm x 3cm
Weight: Approximately 3g
Package: Comes in a luxurious gift box.
Technical Properties: The organza's transparency and rayon embroidery provide both lightness and durability. Extensive embroidery ensures that the soft fabric maintains its shape. - Tags
- Art, jewelry, earrings, lightweight, embroidery, sustainable, contemporary, costume jewelry, Wearable art
- Production Technology
- My design features embroidery with rayon thread on organza, using machine embroidery. I created a pattern by hand and made a paper model. After several trials, I digitized the design on a computer. The factory then embroidered the fabric, which was heat-cut and assembled with adhesive and hand sewing. Bonding the organza was challenging, but rayon stitches resolved this. Extensive embroidery ensures the soft fabric maintains its shape.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this design was combining the delicacy of organza with the durability of rayon embroidery. Overcoming the challenge of bonding organza involved adding rayon stitches, achieved through extensive prototyping. The project considered historical and modern jewelry techniques, eco-friendly materials, and local production possibilities. Balancing artistic vision with practical constraints required significant research and innovation.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2022 in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, and was completed in December 2022.
- Operation Flow
- These earrings are very lightweight despite their size, making them comfortable to wear. They combine the softness of organza with the durability of rayon embroidery, ensuring the shape stays intact even with the soft material. The transparency of the earrings brightens the face, and their artistic design brings joy to the wearer. This design offers a delicate and glamorous touch that sets it apart from other earrings.
- Research
- This project is a process of trial and error to design earrings with unique beauty and durability. Various materials and patterns were created, and models of different sizes were tested to find the optimal combination. Prototypes were shown to friends to gather feedback, which helped finalize the design. Through this process, it was learned that patterns and structure significantly impact the durability and beauty of the design. This design combines humor, artistry, and comfort.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for this project came from the intricate beauty of marine life, specifically shrimp. I was motivated by the challenge of capturing the delicate and translucent nature of shrimp using traditional embroidery techniques. The design also incorporates elements of origami, adding a unique structural dimension. Research into marine biology and textile manipulation provided the foundation for creating a piece that is both visually striking and technically innovative.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Sayuka Tanaka, Shrimps earrings, 2024.
Image #2: Photographer Sayuka Tanaka, Shrimps earrings, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Terukazu Sugino, Shrimps earrings, 2024.
Image #4: Photographer Sayuka Tanaka, Shrimps earrings, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Sayuka Tanaka, Shrimps earrings, 2024.
Colors of Shrimps Earrings
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Design Interview about Shrimps Earrings
The form and texture of a shrimp inspired this design. I used the transparency of organza to express its delicate structure in a poetic and wearable form.
I aimed to create a form that is both light and impactful. My goal was to achieve a sculptural beauty that harmonizes with the body and brings a sense of joy when worn.
I plan to create derivative pieces that apply the same structure. I also aim to present this series in international galleries and art spaces.
Including all refinements and adjustments, it took about six months to complete.
It was a completely self-initiated project. I started to see a kind of cuteness in shrimp—something I regularly ate—and thought it would be fun to recreate their form using organza, a material I often work with. I also wanted to explore origami-like structural techniques.
Currently, the design is produced in-house in small quantities, and I plan to continue this approach for the foreseeable future.
I wanted to explore the potential of jewelry as wearable art—something that transcends conventional materials like metal and gemstones. I also wanted to propose a new value system in jewelry-making.
I don’t think there was a specific designer or design that influenced this piece directly.
Anyone who resonates with the aesthetic—regardless of age or gender. I envision customers who value self-expression and are drawn to both art and fashion.
The combination of delicate embroidery textures with a sculptural, poetic form is what makes it unique. Every aspect—from materials and structure to expression—has been pursued with originality.
I chose a simple and straightforward name that clearly conveys what the piece represents.
I started with hand-drawn paper patterns and then used Adobe Illustrator to adjust the forms and create the embroidery motifs.
The balance between the tactile quality created by textiles and embroidery, and the sculptural dimensionality of the form. Though it is jewelry, it carries the presence of an art piece.
I collaborated with a long-trusted embroidery craftsman in Japan. We went through many rounds of prototyping and communication to achieve the right nuance.
By utilizing advanced embroidery machines, I was able to achieve precise and repeatable results that would be difficult with hand embroidery alone.
Rather than market research, I rely more on my personal sensibility and interaction with nature. However, I did consider material research and customer feedback when it came to comfort and lightness.
It was technically difficult to give shape to embroidery—a soft material—in a three-dimensional structure. A lot of trial and error went into developing a framework that could hold its shape.
I wanted to see how my expression would be received on an international stage. I also hoped to build credibility for my brand and reach a broader audience.
I realized that by integrating sensitive intuition with structural logic, I could elevate the overall quality of the work. I also gained confidence in standing by my unique worldview.
Shrimp is a familiar ingredient for most Japanese people, and because we see it so often, we tend to overlook its beautiful, intricate form. This piece also serves as a quiet tribute to the beauty of the natural world around us.
Grand Interview about Shrimps Earrings
In all of my work, I explore embroidery not as a flat surface, but as a three-dimensional structure. The Shrimps Earrings are a continuation of this philosophy—an attempt to create presence and volume in space using textiles and thread.For this piece, I introduced the element of folding to achieve both lightness and structure. I was particularly inspired by the logic of origami, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The segmented and curved body of a shrimp naturally lent itself to an origami-like interpretation. I repeatedly prototyped forms with paper, seeking the most natural and expressive silhouette through trial and error.My background in fashion, especially in working with textiles and form, has informed my approach to shaping flexible materials. The way fabric reacts to tension and the subtle balance between stiffness and softness were crucial in developing the shrimp's form. In many ways, this piece embodies my ongoing pursuit of structural expression in embroidery—merging the organic beauty of nature with the intentionality of handcraft.
One of the central challenges in creating the Shrimps Earrings was achieving a delicate balance between air-like lightness and the durability required for wearable jewelry. Working with fragile materials such as organza and rayon thread demanded a thoughtful approach to structural integrity.I began by introducing folds into the fabric, allowing the natural tension of the material to create volume and form. More importantly, I carefully calculated the placement and density of embroidery stitches—not simply as decorative elements, but as integral reinforcements that would give the piece its internal “skeleton.” In this design, embroidery itself becomes a structural component, contributing to the overall strength of the form.To prevent deformation after wear, I also incorporated subtle reinforcement stitches and backing materials, hidden from view, down to the millimeter. These elements ensure that the shape remains stable over time, without compromising the visual lightness of the design.Through this process, I was able to create a structure that is both extremely lightweight and strong enough for repeated use. Beneath the delicate and ephemeral appearance lies a precisely calculated framework—an invisible layer of engineering that gives the piece its quiet resilience.
The color palette of the Shrimps Earrings was inspired by the layered and shifting hues found in marine life. Underwater creatures often appear translucent, and their colors change subtly depending on light refraction and movement. I wanted to express that same sense of fragility and life through a gentle gradation, rather than using a single flat color.I worked with pre-dyed gradient rayon threads, but the placement of each color transition was carefully considered. The way the hues shifted depended on the direction of the stitching and how the thread interacted with the surrounding materials. While there is some degree of unpredictability in how the color will appear once stitched, I used that element of chance intentionally, guiding the embroidery to create a visual flow across the surface.To achieve a natural transition of color, I approached embroidery not as a line-based technique, but as a painterly, surface-building process—layering stitches like brushstrokes to create blurred edges and soft shifts in tone. My goal was to evoke the feeling of light shimmering through water or the iridescence of living organisms.This subtle yet complex use of color plays a key role in giving the Shrimps Earrings their sense of vitality and poetic presence.
Growing up in Japan, I was always familiar with the sight of shrimp carrying eggs beneath their bellies. Shrimp is a very common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and I often encountered it in everyday cooking since childhood—so rather than conducting formal biological research, this detail was something that had been imprinted in my memory through lived experience. Of course, I did consult some reference photos during the design process to refine the details.What fascinated me about the egg-bearing form was the quiet symbolism it held—a moment of nurturing, of potential, of life suspended in time. In the Shrimps Earrings, I wanted to incorporate this subtle yet powerful image not in a hyper-realistic way, but as a poetic gesture that adds both narrative and structure.Interestingly, the embroidered “eggs” also serve a practical purpose: they reinforce the form and add structural stability to the abdominal area. I appreciate how this element brings together meaning and function—offering a small, somewhat whimsical detail that also quietly strengthens the overall piece.
In my work, there is always a coexistence between tactile intuition and digital technology. For the Shrimps Earrings, I used Adobe Illustrator to create flat folding diagrams in the early stages of the design. By combining these digital sketches with hands-on paper prototyping, I explored where to fold, where to stitch, and how to shape the structure until the final form emerged.That said, I see digital tools simply as instruments for thinking—what matters most to me is how those lines on screen are translated into fabric and thread. Materials are alive, and even a slight change in how I apply the embroidery can shift the overall impression. During production, it is always my hands that hold the final authority in decision-making.I view digital technology as a way to bring structure and clarity, while handcraft introduces spontaneity and emotion. The Shrimps Earrings were born from the tension and harmony between these two forces. By moving back and forth between the precision of technology and the expressiveness of traditional craft, I aim to explore a form of jewelry that reflects the complexities of our contemporary era.
To me, sustainable design is not simply about using environmentally friendly materials—it’s about how we can make ethical choices without compromising the beauty or meaning of a piece. It’s an ongoing question I ask myself throughout the creative process.In the Shrimps Earrings, I used organza to achieve a sense of lightness and transparency, and selected a version made from recycled PET bottles. I also intentionally avoid materials that may exploit people or the natural environment. In fact, I consider the decision to create jewelry without minerals at all to be an ethical choice in itself.My material philosophy plays a quiet yet central role in how I make design decisions. Even if no one notices these details on the surface, I believe that staying true to my own values creates a kind of inner integrity in the work. These invisible layers of intention are what give the piece its strength and depth.
The idea for the structure of the Shrimps Earrings began with a realization: the translucent, lightweight quality of the organza I often use reminded me of the texture of a shrimp’s shell. That connection sparked a sense of curiosity—what would happen if I tried to recreate a shrimp form using this material?During the development process, I had a key insight: instead of assembling the shape from multiple small parts, I could use a folding-based structure to create a three-dimensional form from a single piece of fabric. This not only reduced unnecessary steps but also led to a unique and original silhouette. The result felt both efficient and visually fresh—an approach that was meaningful on multiple levels.I did create paper prototypes to sketch out the folding structure, but I didn’t encounter major issues with fabric deformation. Thanks to my past experience, I already had a good sense of how the fabric would behave and where tension would naturally occur. It was a process of “reading” the material and letting it guide the form.In the end, I fixed the folds in place using adhesive, which allowed me to retain the softness of the material while maintaining a stable structure. I feel this piece captures a strong sense of presence, precisely because it balances flexibility and definition so effectively.
With the Shrimps Earrings, my intention wasn’t to deliver a complex message or theory—it was simply to create something that makes your heart skip a beat the moment you see it. I believe that art, fashion, and jewelry don’t need long explanations. What truly matters is whether it sparks a sense of joy, instinctively and immediately.Shrimp, as a motif, is something we usually associate with food. But when you take a moment to really look, you realize how beautiful and delicate their forms are—the curves, the translucency, the hidden strength. This shift in perspective can transform how we see the world, and, in turn, make us feel more connected to it. That sense of wonder is something I wanted to capture through this piece.We live in an era where AI can generate “well-crafted” concepts and artist statements for anyone. And precisely because of that, I believe instinct matters more than ever. You can explain anything with the right words, but the feeling of “I just love this” can’t be manufactured. For me, creation starts not from logic, but from the reaction of the heart—and that, I believe, is the most honest and powerful guide.Choosing not to use minerals or metals also felt natural. The earth’s resources are finite, and the global population continues to grow. It no longer makes sense to rely solely on traditional definitions of luxury. I believe we can redefine beauty and value by embracing materials and expressions that are kinder to the planet. Luxury, for me, is no longer about rarity—it’s about resonance.When someone wears something that genuinely delights them, their expression softens, and joy radiates outward. I believe those small moments of joy—those personal sparks of wonder—have the quiet power to make the world a more peaceful place.
The Shrimps Earrings require a great deal of time, focus, and delicate handwork. It’s not a piece suited for mass production—but that’s exactly why I want to deliver it thoughtfully, to people who truly appreciate the value of finely crafted objects.In terms of scaling production, I’m focusing on building a trusted team of skilled artisans and stitchers. Rather than creating everything by myself, I believe in clearly communicating the intention and design, and then entrusting the execution of certain details to experienced hands. This approach feels like the most realistic and sustainable path forward.At the same time, I see potential for pieces like the Shrimps Earrings to exist both as expressive art objects and as wearable fashion jewelry. I’m exploring ways to expand the product line while preserving the overall aesthetic and spirit of the work. By offering different tiers within the same conceptual world, I hope to make it more accessible without compromising its identity.Ultimately, it’s a balancing act—between craftsmanship and communication, between artistic expression and practical distribution. I’m still in the process of finding the best way to let this piece reach a wider audience, while staying true to what makes it special.
To me, luxury is not defined by expensive materials. Through the Shrimps Earrings, I want to share the idea that perhaps the true essence of luxury moving forward is the feeling of joy—or what I call “sparkle in the heart.”Traditional jewelry has long been associated with rarity—gold, gemstones, and other limited resources have symbolized value. But in today’s world, where environmental concerns and resource limitations are urgent realities, I believe it’s time to rethink those assumptions.The Shrimps Earrings are made without any minerals. They’re light, delicate, and yet carry a sense of presence that lifts the spirit when worn. I hope to offer a new perspective: that value can come not from the rarity of the material, but from the emotional resonance it creates—the way it shifts your perception or simply makes you smile.Luxury doesn’t have to belong only to a select few. It can be something that moves someone’s heart, regardless of price or origin. If this piece can encourage even a small shift toward a more open, intuitive, and joyful understanding of jewelry and fashion, I’d be truly happy.