Neptunus Obelisk Bracelet Jewelry

Neptunus Obelisk Bracelet Jewelry

Neptunus Obelisk Bracelet Jewelry is an avant-garde piece of wearable art that seamlessly merges classical mythology with contemporary jewelry design, created by Italian goldsmith Maddalena Rocco. This sophisticated body ornament, which earned recognition with an Iron A' Design Award in the Jewelry Design category, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship through its innovative dual functionality as both a wearable bracelet and a sculptural piece. The design incorporates multiple elements that symbolically represent the Roman god Neptune, including a silver rope structure created through lost-wax casting, a yellow gold drop, and a silver oval waved plate symbolizing the sandy seabed. A distinctive feature of this piece is the integration of a found fossil bone from an Italian beach, supported by the silver rope structure, creating a compelling narrative about the relationship between natural history and contemporary design. The bracelet's posterior features a meticulously burin-engraved mirroring plate depicting a youthful Neptune wielding his iconic trident, executed in a contemporary style that brings ancient mythology into modern context. The piece's dimensions of 6 x 8 x 11 centimeters allow it to maintain a balanced presence whether worn on the left arm or displayed as a sculptural object. The creation process, which spanned approximately one year, involved complex technical challenges, particularly in the burin engraving process and the precise welding of components with varying thicknesses. This unique piece exemplifies the intersection of traditional metalworking techniques with contemporary artistic expression, while its design narrative explores themes of inner reflection and mankind's relationship with the oceanic depths.

jewelry design, mythological inspiration, contemporary metalwork, wearable sculpture, burin engraving, lost-wax casting

— Adam Dawson