PRODUCT DESIGN / 2025
Designing a life story
SUMMARY
After visiting dozens of local jewelry stores in Bucharest and searching online, I spotted a ring that sparked the idea of designing a custom one.
Excited about it, I shared a moodboard and the concept with Alex from Contemporia, the place to go for custom jewelry in Romania. He got me at first sight, and the concept started to take shape.
TEAM
Concept: George Mihai
Design: Alex Burlacu
Production: contemporia.ro
New concepts or ideas are usually inspired by something else, be it a photo, an object, or something that got my attention. The ring below served as inspiration for the custom engagement ring and wedding bands.
HOW IT STARTED
The wedding ring and band served as the concept, which soon proved to be just a small part of a larger story.
Beautifully designed products share universal traits. The digital environment limits self-expression, and I approach each project with the core principles of design in mind.
I imagined a wedding ring and bands that couldn't be found on the shelf. It had to be custom-made with a timeless style, look like a single piece when assembled, and convey power and clarity.
Teaming up with Alex (Contemporia) was the best decision of the project.
FROM INSPIRATION
TO FINAL RESULT
Turning ideas into design
The timeless design promises the longevity of our marriage. Its simplicity stands for the clarity of the path ahead.
Living in the protective space between the two rings, the diamond plays the role of the kids embraced by their parents. The three points holding it represent the Holy Trinity, which anchors our family.
The rings' straight sides make them look like tiny homes, reminding us of what's important in life.
MY CHOICE
ALTERNATIVE DESIGN
Choosing the path
When Alex sent the two design proposals, I instantly knew what my wedding band would look like. He transposed my words in a timeless, architectural design. I couldn't help but choose the boldest version, with sharp edges and an uncommon overall shape.
The unseen iterations are most often forgotten, deleted, or ignored. The process is ignored as unimportant. In fact, the winner always stands on the shoulders of multiple abandoned versions.
There's the visual part and the invisible part of the design. The other iteration had an asymmetric shape between the two rings, but the story was supposed to unfold a continuous movement embedded in a unified body.
The Eclipse ring
A contemporary interpretation of the classic solitaire
The sharpness of its bold lines radiates power, purpose, and clarity. The three points holding the diamond look like the strongest grip ever seen. Its position was calculated to be in the middle of the rhomb formed by both rings.
The geometric shapes feel like a sculpted architecture in hand
The Axis wedding bands embed the abstract shape of tiny houses. Always pointing forward, the sharp angle is the focal point of each ring. Depending on how it is worn, it can be seen as the deepest valley of sorrow or the crown of the highest point of success, both represents the waves of life.
The concept was well received, and it is available on Contemporia.
Thank you, Alex, for helping me shape a life story that's waiting to be revealed ahead of us.
PROCESS
Selected Works
Let's design things worthy to exist.
PAGES
SOCIAL
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