Phantom

Original Brief The project required the development of an accessory. The item had to fulfill at least one function: practical or aesthetic. The primary objective was to create an original piece that combined a thoughtful form, an expressive aesthetic, and the characteristics of the chosen material.Project Goal To design an авторская cuff earring. An ear ornament that serves an aesthetic and decorative function, acts as an independent element of a personal style, and demonstrates the artistic potential of glass in accessory design.Project Objectives  — Defining the product category  — Finding an original form  — Material research  — Ergonomic consideration  — Creating aesthetic valueProduct Functions  — Aesthetic—shaping an individual image and creating a visual accent.  — Decorative—complementing one’s appearance through form, material, and texture.  — Practical—the ability to use the item as a wearable accessory, provided there is a thoughtful design, reliable fastening, and comfortable contact with the ear.Project Result The development of a signature glass cuff earring, where material, form, and light converge into a single artistic expression. The item is viewed not just as an adornment, but as a standalone design object possessing aesthetic value and the potential for individual self-expression.

Project Concept The project is an ear ornament that combines the functions of a classic earring and a cuff. The core idea is to create a unified, unconventional object that doesn’t merely rest on the lobe but interacts with its natural shape, partially echoing it.

Construction The earring is affixed to the ear at three points. The lower part is secured to the lobe using a standard clasp, like a traditional earring. The upper part of the ornament continues along the edge of the ear and is fastened according to the principle of a cuff—by encircling the cartilage. Thus, the structure visually integrates two different types of jewelry: a classic earring and a cuff. This fastening allows the ornament to be more voluminous, creating the impression that it doesn’t just hang on the ear, but rather «contours» it and interacts with the ear’s anatomy.

Because better fixation requires measuring two areas of cartilage, this earring is custom-made.

Form The ornamentation is amorphous, yet distinct contours are also present.

Materials The primary materials are glass and silver. Glass serves as the main expressive element of the jewelry. Sterling silver (925 proof) performs both a structural and a decorative function. It is used for the findings, connecting elements, and the jewelry’s framework. The silver components echo the smooth, organic shape of the glass part, creating the sensation of a unified object. The material combination is built on contrast: the fragile, transparent, and fluid glass is juxtaposed against the cooler, metallic, and stable silver.

Most cuffs look minimalistic; typically, they attach to a single cartilage. They are usually paired with other jewelry, such as earrings that clip onto the earlobe. However, I wanted to create a statement piece—something that doesn’t require accompaniment—and something comfortable to wear, because it has three attachment points, whereas cuffs with just one cartilage attachment often get lost.