Outback Memories Design Challenge: Design 5
Michael Endlich, Berkeley, California
I wanted to bring the underlying spiritual connection Tess and Chloe felt into this bracelet. Chrysoprase is known as a symbol of life and is the stone of the heart, so it naturally unites their lives and their story. They had a great heart connection.
My first step in creating the piece is to carve in wax the three large sections that will have the chrysoprase set in them. The diamond-shaped centerpiece will hold the marquise and two diamonds. On either side of the center section and curved to the contour of Tess’s wrist is a round piece set with the square stone and a square piece set with the round stone, symbolizing that while Tess and Chloe each come from the same family, both are unique but still connected in so many ways.
Cast in sterling silver, all three pieces are smooth and undercut on the reverse so texturally the underside will feel similar to the cabochon stones on top. Tess will have the final say on the finish of the silver on top, whether it is smooth or textured. The 22k yellow gold around the gems has a hammered texture, which I see as a symbol of how we’re forged by life’s experiences.
The centerpiece set with diamonds symbolizes union—their family—with the chain connecting the smaller sections that are representative of the two of them. The bracelet’s silver chain is itself a metaphor for each breath: Their life’s journey is on this chain.
The clasp is S curved, a graceful line of beauty. The S is also a shape reminiscent of Australia’s boomerang and a reminder of their loving relationship. When you throw a boomerang, it comes back to you just as love does.
When Tess puts this bracelet around her wrist, she’ll see it as a powerful spiritual piece that will resonate in her heart. This will be her signature piece—something she can wear every day.
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