Accessory Design. Pendant Necklace
Meanders of the Irtysh River
The project is a silver pendant, worn on a chain, designed as a case for a miniature perfume vial. It merges jewelry and a functional object, allowing the wearer to always keep their favorite scent close at hand. The primary feature of the design is the lines that encircle the case, referencing the curves of the Irtysh River flowing through Omsk.
Research and Analogues
The research examines jewelry with functional purposes, pendants designed for storing small objects, perfume vials, and accessories featuring movable joints. Special attention is given to compactness, ergonomics, attachment methods to a chain, opening mechanisms, and user interaction with the object. A separate research direction focuses on the form of the Irtysh River and the character of its curves. Analyzing the natural plasticity aids in finding a way to convey the movement of water through the metal casing’s form. The result of this research is the formation of a design principle: to combine the practicality of a small perfume case with the expressive yet concise plasticity of a piece of jewelry.
Need and Function
Symbolic Content
Metaphor and Imagery
Concept
Search and options
During the design process, various methods for expressing the image of a river through jewelry design are being explored.
We are investigating options for the placement of the decorative line, its thickness, its degree of protrusion above the surface, the number of twists, and the nature of its curves.
Different options for processing the body are also being compared: textured surfaces, smooth metal, and a combination of a smooth base with relief decoration.
A preference is given to a smooth, silvery body featuring a protruding spiral line. This approach allows for the preservation of the primary form’s clarity while establishing the decorative element as the main carrier of the image.
Additionally, the construction of the connections is being developed: the lower part of the body is secured to a chain, and the lid is attached via side rings, which allow it to move up and down when opened.
Form and material references
The primary references for this project include jewelry with cylindrical geometry, metallic objects featuring spiral relief, the natural curves of riverbeds, and minimalist perfume bottles.
The cylindrical shape was chosen for its compactness and its ability to house a miniature bottle. The silver-toned metal underscores the item’s jewelry quality and establishes a neutral foundation for the decorative lines.
The spiral relief serves to convey the dynamism and continuity of flow. The contrast between the smooth surface of the body and the protruding element helps highlight the form’s plasticity.
Taken together, these references define the product’s visual language: a concise geometry, a restrained metallic surface, and an organic line inspired by nature.
Selected solution
The selected design is an elongated, cylindrical locket-case featuring a smooth silver surface and a raised line that spirals around the body. The top section is crafted as a separate cap. It connects to the chain via small side rings, allowing the chain to pass through freely. This design permits the cap to be removed from the body without detaching it from the jewelry piece. The main body of the case is also attached to the chain through small rings on the sides. The bottom part includes a decorative pendant finial. The miniature perfume vial is extracted from the case for individual use. When closed, all elements form a unified piece of jewelry, wherein the functional construction becomes an integral part of the exterior aesthetic.
Structure Check
Technical Drawing
Product Transportation
The pendant is packaged in a protective individual box with a soft insert to prevent scratches and deformation. Finished items are transported in batches in protective bulk packaging from the workshop to the store or warehouse. An additional shipping box is used when sending the item to the buyer.
Production Technology
- Design: developing 3D models of the casing, cap, fittings, and decorative spiral.
- Part Fabrication: 3D printing models and metal casting, or machining the casing and decoration.
- Finishing: sanding, polishing, and achieving the required silver texture.
- Assembly: installing the rings, chain, and movable cap.
- Quality Control: checking the fittings, opening mechanism, dimensional accuracy, and structural integrity.
