What did not exist

The reference was an image generated by a neural network — a ring with no physical prototype that, really, could not have one: no set of natural stones of that clarity, cut and calibration exists in sufficient number, and if it did, it would cost a fortune.

It took a year to give the idea a physical body. First we bought synthetic rubies in Hong Kong that didn’t work out (that first ring is now kept as a monument to the attempt), then found lab-grown material and cut a test batch. Then three reworkings of the 3D model — to perfect the geometry of the gold and match the tone of the material so that the centre stone and the small stones agree in colour saturation.

Bringing this idea to life took a year of work. This case is a pure example of what the atelier does best: it sees a form where there is none yet, and lets it exist.