Zig Zag Contemporary Jewelry Line | Limn Board
Zig Zag  Contemporary Jewelry Line by Mayté Ossorio Domecq

Zig Zag Contemporary Jewelry Line

Bronze A' Design Award Winner 2025

A sculptural metal neckpiece curves dramatically across the upper chest and shoulders of a figure wearing dark charcoal knitwear, the jewelry piece constructed from numerous individual metallic elements that radiate outward in a fan-like formation spanning approximately 180 degrees from shoulder to shoulder, creating a striking semicircular collar that frames the neckline and lower face area with architectural precision and geometric rhythm. The metal components appear as uniform rectangular bars or blades, each perhaps six to eight inches in length and roughly half an inch in width, arranged in parallel progression with consistent narrow spacing between adjacent elements, the entire assembly containing perhaps forty to fifty individual pieces that fan outward from two anchor points positioned at each shoulder, these twin origins serving as the structural foundation from which the radiating design emanates in mirror-image symmetry. The metal surface exhibits a sophisticated lustrous finish that catches and reflects light in varying intensities across the dimensional form, the finish appearing as matte-satin or brushed metal rather than high-polish mirror, this surface treatment creating subtle variations in brightness as light strikes the angled faces of each radiating element at different angles, the overall effect suggesting precious metal such as sterling silver or white gold though the specific material remains uncertain from visual inspection alone, the color reading as cool metallic silver-gray with highlights approaching bright white where light strikes most directly and shadows deepening to pewter or gunmetal tones in recessed areas between the individual blades. The texture would feel smooth and cool to touch, each metal element presenting a refined manufactured surface free from visible tooling marks or irregularities, the consistency of finish across all components suggesting precision fabrication processes and careful quality control in manufacture, the edges appearing crisp and cleanly defined rather than rough or unfinished, the overall tactile impression would combine the coolness and hardness of metal with the satisfying geometric regularity of machine-made precision. The supporting garment beneath the jewelry reads as charcoal or deep gray knitwear, possibly a fine-gauge sweater or long-sleeve shirt in a solid neutral color, the fabric surface showing subtle texture consistent with knitted construction, the neckline appearing as a simple rounded crew neck that sits just below the base of the figure's throat, this understated garment choice providing ideal visual contrast that allows the metallic jewelry to command full attention without competing elements or chromatic distractions. Moving upward from the jewelry, the composition includes the lower portion of the wearer's face from mid-nose downward, showing a subtle gentle smile and neat groomed facial hair in salt-and-pepper gray and white tones, the suggestion of mature age and refined personal presentation, though facial features remain softly out of focus with photographic attention concentrated entirely on the sharp detailed rendering of the jewelry piece itself, this selective focus strategy ensuring the design object rather than the human model dominates visual attention while maintaining essential context of wearability and human scale. The background surrounding the figure reads as pure neutral white or very light gray, providing maximum contrast against both the dark garment and the metallic jewelry, this studio backdrop choice eliminating all environmental distraction and creating the clean isolated presentation typical of professional product photography and design documentation. The lighting appears soft, even, and carefully controlled, likely from diffused studio sources positioned frontally to minimize harsh shadows while creating sufficient directional modeling to reveal the three-dimensional form of the radiating metal elements, the illumination quality suggesting professional photographic standards with attention to preserving detail in both highlight and shadow areas while maintaining the jewelry's metallic brilliance without blown-out overexposure. The overall impression combines boldness and refinement, the substantial visual impact of the dramatic geometric form balanced by the restrained monochromatic palette and precise craftsmanship, the jewelry transforming the upper torso into an architectural statement while maintaining elegant wearability and sophisticated contemporary aesthetic sensibility.

From Straight to Curved: The Zig Zag Takes Shape. This applied research project explores the transformation of a straight line into a curve through cross-sections. The objective was to design a strong and visually striking necklace while minimizing material usage and optimizing structural efficiency. The methodology was based on direct experimentation, where different cutting and bending techniques were tested to achieve the desired flexibility and form