Jointed Jewels represents a union of new and old, organic and industrial, functional and decorative. At the heart of the project is the intention to transform complex and separate elements into a new kind of whole. It started as an exploration of ball joints, commonly found in cars and hip replacements. Alissia Melka Teichroew had the idea of creating a ball joint -normally assembled with separate parts- as one single piece. Through the use of selective laser sintering she was able to literally make a ball inside a ball. Hence, the industrial connecter was transformed into an object of beauty and wonder.

A clean and striking jewelry collection was created around this innovative concept. Each piece has been made with the same technique: it seems like an intricately assembled object but is in fact one single piece that was made in one go. Although the jointed pieces share the same birthing process, each item has a different identity. There are round, square, long and tubular forms that pick up references from recognizable icons of classic jewelry. Many of the bangles, necklaces and rings are interpretations of renaissance and Victorian jewels and there are also references to intricately made and very precious pieces by luxury brands like Bulgari and Cartier. In addition, there are multi-tiered necklaces that display connecting joints that resemble human bone structure.

The collection features both colored and white jewelry. A special rendition of the colors dark blue/grey, pink, and yellow will be presented in during the Salone del Mobile 2010 in Milan, Italy. This coloring is applied in an industrial process similar to textile coloring. There will also be a gold shade applied that is a mix of precious and semi precious metals. A limited edition of “pearl” necklaces will be dyed using a manual process, which gives them a gradient, hand-crafted quality.
Jointed Jewels is a work in progress. As the range continues to evolve and expand, it will be joined by “family members” in other product genres. All the Jointed Pieces share the same DNA, they are based around the 3D printed ball joints and made in one single process.

Product Type: Jewels: Bangles & Necklaces & Rings
Designer: Alissia Melka-Teichroew
Year : 2008/2009/2010
Material: Selective Laser Sintered Coated Nylon
Manufactured by: byAMT Inc.