Anglo Plat 2019

Figure 1- Nkabinde, M., (2019). Fluted Swaddle. Platinum Earrings.

These are platinum earrings with cubic zirconia set in a tube setting, designed for the Anglo Platinum Competition 2019. Which I was selected to be one of the finalists. I had to change the metal thickness only from the silver prototype to make sure that I had enough metal to work with. I really enjoyed this project because we were given a  theme: Your Love Has Gone Platinum which I think I interpreted it in an understandable way that relates to my work.

Here is the free writing I had to do that goes with my piece:

These beautiful earrings were inspired by Isishweshwe fabric. “It is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for traditional South African clothing.” I have taken patterns from this fabric to design a simple yet meaningful pair of earrings. It was uniquely handcrafted for a young man named Nkanyiso that intends to give these earrings as a gift for his beautiful soon to be wife Senhle, on their special day called Umembeso. It is when the groom’s family buy gifts for the bride’s family and the bride does the same.

Umembeso is a symbol of a remarkable and meaningful journey that Nkanyiso and Senhle are about to take. It is a way of showing mutual respect and commitment to each other. During this ceremony, the family dresses the bride in a respective way that they would want her to look in the future.

Nkanyiso and Senhle are both young and modern but they stick to traditions that they learned growing up. They have been living together and planning this ceremony, then Nkanyiso thought of how he could bring the whole concept of a head wrap into something elegant yet a statement that his wife can wear on her big day or any other day. A headwrap is a sign of respect to her in-laws and husband therefore, I have used the idea of how the fabric folds and curl as a head wrap into a unique pair of earrings that symbolizes respect, genuine and authentic love.

I have used patterns from the head wrap fabric as my main focus, I decided to punch out patterns that are inspired by Isishweshwe into metal and I have used the concept of the fold-up fabric as an overall pattern to create the swirly and fluted look in the earrings. Platinum is a symbol of everlasting and pure love because it doesn’t tarnish it is always shiny and keeping the spark alive.