We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Katherine Alexandra Brunacci about their original and creative Earrings design work. Katherine Alexandra Brunacci is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original earrings works.
Katherine Alexandra Brunacci ("KAB") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work GEMEL Earrings . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
KAB : The main principle behind my design is to create an imitation faceted gemstone, to be used in jewellery. The idea comes from the need to develop a light weight versatile component for the use in jewellery. My inspiration for jewellery design mainly comes from historical pieces, that I incorporate into my work and apply a modern interpretation.
KAB : My main focus was to design a product, which mimicked a gemstone but was completely different from other gemstone imitations. I wanted to achieve a component, which I could incorporate into my jewellery design that was unique and would clearly define my jewellery in the market place.
KAB : Further research and development, and to fully realize the potential of 'Gemel' I would love to collaborate with jewellery and fashion designers.
KAB : It has been a long process of trial and error, the main concept took about a year to perfect. The prototype was conceived in 2007.
KAB : This concept began as a University research paper, whilst I was studying a Bachelor of Fine Art.
KAB : 'Gemel' is currently only used in my designs. I don't at this stage plan to sell the production rights, but I would be very interested in leasing the production rights.
KAB : I have always had a love of antique jewellery and wanted to modify and replicate pieces by giving them a modern twist. I particularly like elaborate pieces, with an abundance of large coloured gemstones. I wanted 'Gemel' to be different to other products on the market. I have always been interested in press forming and enamelling, so I began developing a method in which I could create my own shaped, sized and coloured gemstones.
KAB : Yes and No. Yes for the references which influence my jewellery design where I use 'Gemel' and no in the actual design of 'Gemel'.
KAB : Jewellery wearers who like something completely unique.
KAB : There are so many achievable variations in the one design concept of 'Gemel', that can't be achieved using other imitation gemstones. 'Gemel' can be varied in colour, translucency, sheen and pattern. 'Gemel' unlike other imitation gemstones is not limited by size. 'Gemel' can be made very small and also large and still be comfortably worn by the wearer. ‘Gemel’ is both lightweight and durable, being perfect for use in all types of jewellery, such as earrings and rings.
KAB : The name 'Gemel' comes from mixing the words Gem (What the design is replicating) and Enamel (What gives the design, colour and added strength).
KAB : I took a very practical and traditional approach whilst working on this project. A lot of manual trial and error with metal thicknesses, dies, enamels and numerous drawings, to support the product.
KAB : I think to be able to recreate an imitation gemstone that looks so much like a real gemstone. Also to be able to produce a shape with such defined facets using the press forming method.
KAB : 'Gemel' is totally my own design and concept.
KAB : I took a very traditional approach to this design. All designs were hand sketched. The manufacturing of this design is all done by hand. I use a manually operated kick-press to form the ‘Gemel’ component and all of the finishing and enamelling is done by hand using traditional jewellers methods and hand tools.
KAB : Press forming geometric shapes with sharp edges and corners without the metal tearing. Enameling a geometric shape so that the sharp edges of the press form are still visible and tactile and not rounded by the enamel coating.
KAB : I wanted this design to reach a global audience and I thought that the A' Design Competition would be the perfect platform.
KAB : Patience, “If at first you don't succeed try again, and again and again”. Countless things didn't go exactly to plan whilst I was working on this design. I found that I had to learn to adapt and work with the materials limitations.
KAB : No, but thank you for asking.
