Outback Memories Design Challenge: Design 6
Andrea Lucille Shin, Brooklyn, New York
I began by focusing on Tess and Chloe’s last trip together to Australia. Then I narrowed that focus to the Sydney Opera House and the Botanical Gardens. After researching and reading about both places, I spent several weeks sketching potential designs. The final design was influenced by the intriguing shapes and outline of the Opera House.
Given the relatively large size of the stones, I decided they would be best utilized in a necklace. Due to its shape and size, the marquise-shaped chrysoprase was best suited as the center stone of the necklace. The round and square stones were then designed with the same theme, but simplified.
Since all three stones are large, I decided to construct the necklace with 18k white gold wires to make it appear light and airy. I used 2 to 4 mm accent diamonds to add sparkle but keep the focus on the treasured chrysoprase left by Chloe.
The centerpiece with the marquise has a hook and lock mechanism on the back that makes it removable, so it can be worn on separately as a pendant or a brooch. And it holds a precious secret: As it hangs straight on the necklace, it looks like a modern flower, but turn it 90 degrees to the left or to the right and the skyline of the Sydney Opera House appears.
As a necklace, this is a showpiece. It would be great for a dressy evening at the opera or another special event. When the pendant/brooch is removed, it’s very wearable—ideal for a casual lunch with friends or a walk in a garden. No matter how Tess decides to wear the piece, she will be forever reminded of her trip to Australia with Chloe.
