The annual PlatAfrica Awards took place last month and CPUT student Jana Basson took first place in the Student / Apprentice category with her stunning multipurpose Unity neckpiece / bracelet. We asked her a few questions to gain insight on the inspiration of her winning piece, and noted a few of them below:
Can you describe the piece of jewellery you created? What was your inspiration and thought process behind it?
The platinum piece I made is a moveable pendant that can transform into a bracelet to flow around the wearer’s wrist. The concept originated when I noticed chairs stacked on top of each other. While the flowing organic shapes appeared to build up a sense of movement from all angles but still united to create a sense of togetherness and diversity. That’s why I designed an experimental piece that can be worn comfortably as a pendant or bracelet.
Can you share the story behind the design, and any symbolism or cultural significance associated with it, if applicable?
Many Gen-Z and Millennials feel like they’ve been stringed along through life, not knowing what will happen in the future. My one-of-a-kind statement platinum piece symbolises this as everything is “stringed together” like code forming a flowing sequence. These generations need to adapt and be flexible, just like my platinum bracelet has a sense of flexibility within its structure. This piece lets people express their individuality, through the pieces that look different individually through shape, size, and texture. Each piece has a different set of behaviours similar to how people have different experiences. Millennials created a sharing economy, and my piece symbolises this with the different levels like how generations build on previous generations to accomplish more.
What techniques and materials did you use to create your winning piece, and what makes platinum a unique and challenging material to work with?
Platinum is a unique and challenging material because of its durability. It takes long to clean and polish, however it can go really thin and still be durable. This allowed me to make a larger more durable piece. The finished polish is also really nice.
How can placing in the PlatAfrica Awards impact your career and your future as a jewellery designer?
It shows I have potential. It could possibly lead to better job opportunities. Designing for a competition is like designing for a client. They have specific requests and needs, and you won’t achieve anything unless you can meet these needs. After graduating university, I might get hired by a place that would like me to compete again.
