Iron Jewelry Design · 2022
The Hummingbird Single Earring
- A' Design Award 2022 Iron Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Gioielleria Marinone
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 27,731
- Verification code BFF58F6980 · Verify this award
About The Hummingbird Single Earring
This earring was inspired by the innate elegance of Nature. It has the shape, the size and the colors of an actual hummingbird. The tail holds the upper part of the ear in order to have most of the weight leaning against it. The beak is the actual post of the earring and the flower is its back. Total number of precious stones: 350. Total precious stones weight: Diamonds 0.62ct, Sapphires (dark blue, blue, light blue and orange): 3.88ct, Tzavorites: 2.31ct. Total 18kt white and pink gold: 40g. Rhodium plating from black to grey on specific areas of the tail, the wings and the body.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- It has the the shape and the size of an actual hummingbird.
Only the beak is different from the real one in order to let it going trough the hole of the ear lobe. In this way it will not slip away while wearing it.
The tail holds the upper part of the ear in order to have most of the weight leaning against it. The beak is the actual post of the earring and the flower is its back. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The jewel can be inscribed in a frame of 76.81mm x 84.75mm x 44.36 mm.
- Tags
- earring, jewelry, hummingbird, sapphires, diamonds, tzavorites, gold, Eleonora Federici, marinone, gioelleriamarinone, Pavia, efjewelry_italiandesign, EF fine italian jewelry design
- Production Technology
- The model will be printed by a 3D Printer in castable wax or resin.
After that it will be cast and polished and the stones will be set.
A rhodium plating will be made in different colors (from Black to grey) in specific areas of the jewel in order to reproduce the natural colors of the beak, the tail and the wings.
Total Diamond weight : 0.62 ct round brilliant cut,
Total Sapphires weight : 4.04 ct round brilliant cut,
Total Tzavorites weight: 2.43 ct round brilliant cut.
Total 18Kt white and pink gold weight after finishing and polishing: 40g. - Design Challenge
- The main challenge was creating a jewel that could fit the human face with the shape and the size of an actual hummingbird, while mantaining all the beauty of the real bird.
In order to obtain this result, I designed the Hummingbird with the 3D software Rhinoceros 7 using a 3D mesh of a woman face as a reference guide. - Project Duration
- The project started in Carlsbad (USA) in November 2021 and ended in December 2021.
- Operation Flow
- The beak of the Hummingbird goes through the hole of the ear lobe and in conjunction with the tail over the ear it will not slip away while wearing it.
- Research
- I researched all the data in order to have the average measures of an actual hummingbird. Then I looked for images and photos to reproduce not only the shape, but also the colors that its plumage has in reality.
- Inspiration
- This earring was inspired by the innate elegance of Nature, the mesmerizing movement of its living beings and the amazing colors that they display. During my stay in California (USA) I had the chance to see and admire this elegant and amazing creature and I couldn't help myself dedicating a jewel to it. It is my way to show how human beings and animals can live together respecting and loving each other.
Colors of The Hummingbird Single Earring
Design Interview about The Hummingbird Single Earring
This Design was inspired by the innate elegance of Nature, the fascinating movements of its creatures and the amazing colors they display. For months last year, I had toyed with the idea of designing a piece of jewelry that could truly symbolize the coexistence of humans and fragile, endangered species. I was living in California at the time, taking the Jewelry Design & Technology class (the class that gave me all these new, amazing skills!), and I had the opportunity to see hummingbirds in person for the first time in my life. What a wonderful, incredible animal! Not only did it embody exactly what I wanted to represent, but it had all the characteristics I look for in a jewel.
I wanted to create a piece of jewelry that would fit the human face and have the shape and size of a real hummingbird, without losing all the beauty of the real bird. And I wanted to achieve perfection, as I usually do.
My plan is to make it famous…either producing it by myself or having it produced by another company. I think that my Hummingbird has to spread its wings and fly… Every jewel I create is part of me…like a child who grows up and leaves home…and what do you want for your own child?
If I take into account the entire time from the beginning to the end - including the time spent refining and perfecting - I think it took me about two months.
This design was not commissioned. I followed my inspiration, my need to express myself and convey my message to the world.
My plan is to produce it myself, but I do not rule out leasing the production rights. What I want is for my name and my Hummingbird to be acknowledged. I feel the need to put my talent to use, and in a way that has to the public recognition. As I said before, my jewels are like my children, and you only want the best for them. No one wants their child to remain hidden all their life…
The urge to be able to communicate externally the art that is continually developing in my head.
Having grown up in Italy, a place full of extraordinary and unique works of art in the world, has certainly influenced my attitude.
This is a high-end jewelry piece . It is meant to be worn by people who want to stand out from the crowd and have something truly unique and different. The Hummingbird is for those who appreciate art and beauty and want to wear a piece of jewelry with which there is nothing like it on the market.
It is a simple description of a delightful animal that I had numerous encounters with during my time in California.
I used the Wacom tablet in association with the drawing App SketchBook and the CAD software Rhinoceros7.
My creativity!
I researched all the data in order to have the average measures of an actual hummingbird. Then I looked for images and photos to reproduce not only the shape, but also the colors that its plumage has in reality.
The biggest challenge was to create a jewel that could fit the human face with the shape and the size of an actual hummingbird, while mantaining all the beauty of the real bird. To achieve this result, I designed “The Hummingbird” using Rhinoceros7 3D software using a 3D mesh of a real woman face as a reference guide.
I loved this design before it was even finished. I had it clearly in mind from the beginning and I knew it would be beautiful. I am particular about fashion, but this jewel was perfect. I submitted it for the Gemological Institute of America's "Student's Choice Award" and it won. I had the feeling that this stunning little bird could have flown much higher!
Creating an organic shape on Rhinoceros7 is not easy at all. In addition to that you have to set all the stones and the prongs one by one, respecting all the distances and thicknesses. There are much easier softwares out there, but if you learn it the hard way, everything gets easier! I definitely improved my skills a lot this way.
Yes, I would like you to ask me why I became a designer, and to whom I owe this award. I want to thank my parents because they gave me all the opportunities to grow, learn and have the experiences that made me who I am today.
Grand Interview about The Hummingbird Single Earring
Observing hummingbirds in California was a truly mesmerizing experience that profoundly influenced the creation of The Hummingbird Single Earring. These tiny creatures possess such intricate beauty and grace, which I wanted to capture in every detail of the piece. I became captivated by the delicate structure of their wings, the shimmer of their feathers, and their vibrant energy.Translating this into jewelry required a deep focus on anatomical accuracy, ensuring the earring felt as lifelike as possible. I combined my observations with detailed research and studied photos of hummingbirds to ensure anatomical accuracy. At the same time, I wanted to infuse it with an artistic interpretation that celebrated their elegance and spirit. This balance between precision and creativity allowed me to create a piece that not only reflects nature's beauty but also embodies the luxurious craftsmanship that defines my work.
I was inspired by a specific species of hummingbird known for its vibrant, iridescent plumage. I worked with a photo of that bird in front of me throughout the entire design process, using its exact colors as my guide. The bright greens, blues, and subtle sparkles in its feathers led me to carefully select and arrange diamonds, sapphires, and tsavorites to recreate its natural brilliance. This attention to detail allowed me to bring the bird’s vivid beauty to life in The Hummingbird Single Earring.
Designing the weight distribution for The Hummingbird Single Earring was quite a challenge since the balance of the piece relied entirely on two key elements: the tail and the beak. I had to carefully account for the total weight, ensuring that the tail was crafted to securely hold the upper part of the ear while maintaining enough weight to prevent the hummingbird from tipping forward. The beak acts as the pivot point, perfectly positioning the piece and giving it the stability it needs, all while preserving the natural grace of a hovering hummingbird.
Rhodium is an incredibly shiny metal that allows for a beautiful range of hues, from white to black. This made it the perfect choice for replicating the realistic plumage of a hummingbird’s tail. By carefully applying rhodium plating, I was able to create subtle color gradients that mimic the natural textures and dimensional effects of real feathers, adding depth and lifelike detail to it.
The design of "The Hummingbird" is a true blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Hand-carving taught me how to sculpt organic and elegant shapes, which I absolutely love. Even though many people might find it crazy to create something as intricate as the hummingbird using Rhinoceros, I approached it with the same care and detail as if I were carving it by hand. This allowed me to bring a sense of artistry and natural flow to the piece while leveraging CAD/CAM technology for precision in structure and weight distribution. The result is a design that feels both lifelike and technically perfect, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation.
Creating this piece was a delicate balancing act between achieving true-to-life proportions and ensuring it was wearable. I went through countless resin prototypes, fine-tuning the dimensions at every step. During the production of the first metal prototype, I had to make practical adjustments to improve wearability, such as adding a hidden clasp in the tail for stability. Of course, there are other clever design secrets I incorporated, but those I’ll keep to myself :-) !
"The Hummingbird" reflects my belief in the harmony between humans and nature, but my jewelry is also deeply inspired by respect for different cultures. Each piece embodies not only the beauty of the natural world but also the rich traditions and values of various cultures. Jewelry, to me, is a way to tell stories—stories that connect us to nature, history, and the diverse expressions of human creativity. Through this piece, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving both the environment and the cultural heritage that shapes us.
Of course, it’s simple: by ensuring scientific accuracy in the measurements, I was able to create a piece that feels incredibly lifelike. When you wear this earring, it’s as if a real hummingbird is gently perched on your ear in the most natural way. This realistic proportion and detail make the piece truly impressive—everyone who sees it is stunned by how alive it feels, capturing the essence of the bird in a way that’s both artistic and scientifically true to nature.
Earning recognition through the A' Design Award has been incredibly inspiring and validating. It reinforced my belief in the power of nature-inspired design and encouraged me to continue exploring the intricate beauty of the natural world. This international acclaim has motivated me to push the boundaries of my creativity even further, knowing that nature’s wonders can be translated into jewelry that resonates globally. It has also reminded me of the responsibility I have to create pieces that not only captivate but also honor the environment and the cultures that inspire them.
My advice to aspiring jewelry designers would be to always start with a deep respect for the natural world. Take the time to observe and study your subject closely - whether it's a bird, a flower, or any element of nature. Don’t rush the process. The key is to combine your artistic vision with technical precision, ensuring that every detail is both beautiful and functional. Embrace both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, as they can work together to bring your vision to life. And most importantly, stay true to the essence of what you’re trying to represent - nature’s beauty lies in its authenticity and its imperfections, so let that guide your designs.