CONCEPT IDENTITY RING (2005)

When I was completing my university studies in 2005 I was very fascinated with technology in jewellery and the future marriage of the two. Not only the new techniques we were going to use to create jewellery, but how technology itself would be worn as adornment on our bodies. I studied this concept in my thesis, very much inspired by forerunners like Tag Heuer, Niessing and the tales dating as far back as Dick Tracey. As part of my master project within the jewellery practice I wanted create a collection of rings that could transition into a new era of high-tech jewellery. 

Here you can read my thoughts around the sterling silver, rubber O-ring and gemstone (authentic or synthetic) completed in 2005.

CONCEPT IDENTITY RING - The Identity ring emerged and fitted suitably with all high-tech scenarios that explore a not too unrealistic near future.

The ring would be personal to its owner, also only function when worn by the owner. A digital reader of fingerprints would line the ring shank, and obviously without a matching fingerprint the ring would never “log in” the owner and start to function. When the right person wore this ring, the gemstone would come alive. Inside the purposely large stone settings digital information would be stored.

Depending on the purpose of the ring, information stored within may vary. Obvious functions would be to open doors, grant access to places via the digital information stored about the owner within the ring. The information would be reflected through facets of the synthetic gemstone, and each reader would know which facet to pick up the information from.

If the owner wanted to wear it “off duty”, or for some reason not carry all this information, the gemstone is easily removed from the ring shank because it is attached to an o-ring, and it easily clips out of its plug position in the shank; this lock position being the only that enables the ring to work.

The rattling key era would be over. You would carry your ‘oyster’  {UK public transit} travel cards on your finger as well as credit cards and identification proof. This is making a statement of jewellery being the ultimate expression for ubiquitous technology.

The definitive way of letting jewellery become an enhancive part of the wearer and the design industry.