N°40 Statement Earrings

Light as Water, Bold as the Current—Earrings Inspired by Sansibia Flava Soft Corals"

Every piece I design comes from diving or snorkeling with marine life up close, and these earrings are a direct interpretation of the Sansibia flava soft coral on the right.

This coral species, which lives a mere 500m from my studio, is known for its delicate, feathery polyps that sway continuously with the water movement, giving it an ethereal, pulsing appearance. Unlike hard corals, which build rigid calcium carbonate skeletons, the light blue polyps of Sansibia flava are flexible, constantly shifting with the ocean’s rhythm. I wanted to reflect that same light, flowing movement in these earrings, using openwork gold structures, raw aquamarine, and textured gold discs that create an elegant yet organic design.

What fascinates me about this coral is its fine, branching polyps, which resemble underwater flowers waving in slow motion. These polyps work as tiny filter feeders, extracting plankton from the water column, and they create a mesmerizing texture when seen up close. I translated this into jewelry by:

• Using open gold filigree to mirror the coral’s feathery, flowing polyps
• Adding raw aquamarine to capture its cool, oceanic color tones
• Incorporating hammered gold discs to mimic the shimmer of light filtering through moving coral structures
• Raw Aquamarine (Faceted Blue Gemstone Accents) – TheSansibia flava coral has a translucent, blue-green hue, which shifts depending on how light interacts with its polyps. Theraw aquamarine stones reflect this natural color shift, bringing in thecool tones of shallow reef waters while maintaining anunpolished, organic texture, just like the coral’s natural form.

• Gold Filigree (Mimicking the Feathery Structure of the Coral) – The polyps of Sansibia flava are intricate and delicate, each one extending like a miniature feather. I designed the gold filigree elements to echo this shape, creating an airy, lightweight effect that reflects the coral’s constant movement.
  

These earrings are lightweight but make a statement—just like the coral they’re modeled after. Wearing them might make you feel a little free-flowing too! They’re perfect for someone who loves fluidity in their style, who values delicate details but also wants something bold enough to stand out.