We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Eleonora Federici about their original and creative Ring design work. Eleonora Federici is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original ring works.
Eleonora Federici ("EF") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Yin and Yang Ring. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
EF : This ring is inspired by the Chinese Yin and Yang concept, which represents the two opposing forces that shaped the universe from chaos. It embodies the seemingly incompatible ideas of harmony and contrast.
EF : My main focus in designing this piece was to create a new kind of bypass ring—one that is as innovative as it is elegant, as bold as it is timeless. I wanted to explore asymmetry through curves, varying heights, and subtle inclinations to challenge traditional symmetry, all while preserving a sense of balance and refined elegance. The goal was to craft a design that feels fresh and modern but remains deeply harmonious and wearable.
EF : My future plans for this award-winning design are to bring it fully into the spotlight, making it celebrated by a wider audience. I want it to be seen, worn, and appreciated as a symbol of innovation and timeless elegance. This piece will be a cornerstone for pushing my creative boundaries further and inspiring new collections that blend boldness with grace. Simply put: it’s time to be on the scene.
EF : The first project dates back to 2021. In 2023, I decided to take it further and develop it into something truly special. It took me around six months to complete.
EF : As I mentioned before, the inspiration dates back to 2021. In 2023, I presented the initial design - along with my vision for how I would develop it - to one of my clients, who had an Australian pearl she wanted to match with her Australian pearl strand. She literally fell in love with it!
EF : My true goal is to produce this piece myself in a very limited, possibly numbered series—where each creation has a unique detail that sets it apart from the others. I believe in preserving the artistic integrity and individuality of every piece. That said, I also wish for this design to be appreciated on a global scale. For that reason, I’m open to collaborating with or selling the rights to a larger company, as long as the original vision and quality are respected. It’s about finding the right balance between exclusivity and broader recognition.
EF : I was driven by a desire to challenge the traditional bypass ring while staying true to my personal vision of elegance and balance. I wanted to create something that not only looked beautiful but also told a story of contrast, harmony, and identity. I am always fascinated by the interaction between nature and human beings, and by the eternal struggle between darkness and light, good and evil. A silent battle that shapes the soul of the world.
EF : I always strive not to be influenced by other designs or designers, because my goal is to create truly unique pieces, something you've never seen before. Originality is essential to my creative process. That said, I deeply value constructive suggestions and remain open to learning, especially when it comes from experienced professionals or peers I admire. Inspiration can come in many forms, but I always make sure my voice stays authentic and distinct.
EF : The target customer for this design is someone who values originality and elegance—an individual who appreciates jewelry as both an art form and a personal statement. They seek pieces that are bold yet timeless, unique but wearable, and that carry a story and meaning beyond aesthetics. This customer truly appreciates uniqueness and isn’t influenced by fast fashion or fleeting trends. They are confident, discerning, and passionate about owning jewelry that stands out while reflecting their own identity.
EF : What sets this design apart is its bold reinterpretation of the classic bypass ring. It breaks symmetry with intention - through curves, heights, and angles - while still preserving a refined sense of balance and elegance. The contrast between materials, colors, and finishes creates a dynamic dialogue of light and shadow that evolves with every movement.
EF : This ring is inspired by the Chinese Yin and Yang concept, which represents the two opposing forces that shaped the universe from chaos. It embodies the seemingly incompatible ideas of harmony and contrast, the inherent duality within every soul, with the hope that the darker side is always smaller than the good.
EF : Starting from this inspiration, I quickly sketched the three-dimensional representation of this ancient philosophical concept that was already clear in my mind. The idea was so vivid in my mind that I immediately envisioned it in three dimensions. As both a wax modeler and a CAD designer, my process is deeply intuitive: I rarely rely on traditional sketches. Instead, I translate the concept directly from imagination to form. That is what makes my approach unique. For this project, I began modeling straight away in Rhinoceros 8, letting the design take shape organically while staying true to the original inspiration.
EF : The most unique aspect of Yin and Yang as of everyone of my design is the powerful presence it commands when worn. It immediately draws attention: people are naturally intrigued by its elegance, originality, and bold form. My client often shares how she receives countless compliments, with many assuming the piece comes from a major luxury brand. That kind of reaction speaks to the strength of the design: it is distinctive, sophisticated, and unforgettable.
EF : I always develop my jewels with high skilled professional in the field.
EF : Technology played a crucial role in bringing this design to life. From the very beginning, I used Rhinoceros 8 to model the piece directly from the concept I had in mind - skipping traditional sketching and working intuitively in 3D. This allowed me to explore complex forms, asymmetry, and precise weight distribution with a high level of control.
EF : My design is not influenced by data or analytical research in the traditional sense. I rely entirely on my vision, intuition, and my deep, personal sense of beauty. For me, creation begins with an inner image—something I feel more than I calculate. My research is emotional and artistic: I observe forms in nature, explore philosophical concepts, and let my aesthetic instincts guide me. It's a more instinctive and soulful process than a data-driven one, and that’s what makes each piece truly unique.
EF : One of the major challenges was amplifying the movement and distorting the traditional symmetry of the two opposing parts while still maintaining a sense of balance and elegance. Contrast was central to the design, but it was equally important to highlight the pearls and ensure a dynamic movement that creates a constant interplay of light and shadow. Preventing the ring from rotating required precise weight distribution. Technically, securing the white Australian pearl without a traditional cup was difficult, as pearls can’t endure aggressive rhodium plating. To solve this, the pearl was carefully drilled and anchored with an invisible through-screw. This delicate final step came after polishing and setting, with no room for error to avoid damaging the ring or loosening the diamonds.
EF : In a world where meritocracy often feels lost, I wanted my work to speak for itself—without relying on connections, favors, or compromise. Submitting my design to an international competition was a way to have highly skilled professionals evaluate my work purely on its merit. I believe in the value of excellence and authenticity, and this kind of platform places my name alongside respected designers, giving my creations the visibility and recognition they deserve. It's about earning my place through vision, skill, and originality.
EF : Every time I design and develop a new piece, it presents a completely new challenge - and with that, a new opportunity to learn. This project was no exception. Each step pushed me to refine my skills, deepen my technical knowledge, and expand my creative thinking. For me, growth is a constant part of the process, and that’s what keeps me as a person, as a designer and my work evolving.
