Since time immemorial, precious metals such as gold and platinum have been used to make jewellery because of their special properties. The design of the Niessing Topia was inspired by the expressive power of natural landscapes. This was accompanied by the question whether it might be possible to endow these metals with a similarly diverse number of layers and depth. The design process began with the aesthetics peculiar to folded paper and the desire to mimic these by producing thin, foldable sheets of gold and platinum. This was achieved through an innovative laser process that allows for the engraving of fine lines on wisps of gold and platinum. The laser process first defines fold-lines. Afterwards, with a very light touch, the precious metal can be given its three dimensional shape. With each fold, the large sheets gain in stability. This subtle approach is what is behind the amazing appearance of Niessing Topia. The folds give these pieces of jewellery their gentle texture. Gold and platinum shimmer with surprising nuances of colours and create an impressive interplay of light and shadow. The design of Topia jewellery combines high tech and craftsmanship in a groundbreaking symbiosis and imbues gold and platinum with a new look and feel. Inspired by the fascinating depths of natural topography what emerged were objects with astounding heights and depths.
Statement by the Jury
The use of an innovative laser process has allowed Niessing to create pieces of jewellery of fascinating beauty. The finest of lines, engraved on thin gold and platinum sheets, compose subtle shapes that are folded following the principles of origami. This gives the precious metals a gentle texture. Traditional methods of craftsmanship are here combined with new technologies in a pioneering way.
