Gold Jewelry Design · 2026
Waterfall Earring
by Gergo Futo
- A' Design Award 2026 Gold Winner in Jewelry Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Viverté Jewellery
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 49,983
- Verification code FBB78E7175 · Verify this award
About Waterfall Earring
Waterfall is an earring from the Lady of the Lake collection. The sculptural form follows the natural curve of the ear for an anatomical fit. Flowing metal lines frame the stones and recall the movement of falling water. The piece is crafted in 14k white gold and set with lab-grown diamonds and freshwater pearls. The shape was first sculpted by hand in wax and then cast with the lost-wax technique. All stones were set under a microscope. As the wearer moves, the diamonds reflect light and the shimmer shifts.
Within the distinguished lineage of contemporary artisanal jewelry, Waterfall Earring by Viverté Jewellery emerges as a compelling meditation on the relationship between organic form and precious materiality. This singular ornament demonstrates the continued vitality of handcrafted metalwork traditions while embracing a thoroughly modern sculptural sensibility that acknowledges the body as integral to the completed aesthetic experience. The design's flowing sterling silver armature traces an elegant descent along the ear's natural architecture, suggesting kinship with Art Nouveau's embrace of biomorphic line while maintaining a minimalist restraint characteristic of contemporary Scandinavian design philosophy. Three freshwater pearls, positioned at considered intervals along the undulating metal pathway, introduce luminous focal points that transform the piece from mere ornament into wearable kinetic sculpture, their gentle movement with the wearer's gestures activating the composition anew with each shift of attention. The technical accomplishment evident in the wireform's seamless curves speaks to refined metalsmithing expertise, while the integration of organic gems within architectural metal framework demonstrates sophisticated understanding of material dialogue. Thematically, the work appears to engage with notions of natural flow, gravitational poetry, and the transformation of elemental water imagery into permanent precious form. The title itself invites contemplation of cascading movement captured in stillness, perhaps suggesting how jewelry might embody natural phenomena while transcending temporal limitations through enduring materials. The photographic presentation, featuring a model whose natural silver-touched hair and serene countenance complement the piece's refined character, suggests jewelry designed for individuals who appreciate understated distinction over ostentatious display. One might consider how the earring redefines traditional notions of ear adornment, extending the ornamental field beyond the lobe to embrace the entire auricle as expressive territory. What qualities of water, light, and perpetual motion might the wearer carry with them through wearing such contemplative adornment?
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Part of the Lady of the Lake collection, the Waterfall earring is a sculptural piece shaped to follow the natural curve of the ear. Its fluid metal lines frame the diamonds to evoke the shimmer of falling water. The design stands out for its anatomical fit, light-responsive movement and refined minimalism, offering a contemporary interpretation of elegance inspired by natural motion.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 35 mm x 15 Depth mm x 115 Height mm
- Tags
- Water, freedom, flow, nature, liquid motion
- Production Technology
- The piece is crafted in 14k white gold, set with lab-grown diamonds and freshwater pearls. Its flowing, water-like form was first sculpted by hand in wax, then cast using the lost-wax technique. The organic lines were refined with precision, and all stones were set under a microscope to ensure accuracy and exceptional craftsmanship
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was avoiding a heavy, jewel-dominated look. I chose not to rely on many diamonds, seeking lightness instead of density. Early experiments included pouring molten metal into water to capture natural splashes, but this led to uncontrolled forms. Studying slow motion water imagery helped refine the direction. Balancing fluidity with anatomical fit was complex. The final piece expresses feminine strength through flowing movement rather than mass.
- Project Duration
- The design and development of Lady of the Lake took approximately four months, from August 2023 to November 2023. The piece was conceived and completed in the designer’s atelier in Szeged, Hungary. The nearby waterfront environment served as an early source of inspiration during the conceptual phase.
- Operation Flow
- The diamonds reflect light like the surface of deep water, while metal waves flow naturally along the shape of the ear, as if formed by the body itself. As the wearer moves, the piece responds — light shifts and shimmer appears. It transforms from a static object into a living presence, creating a strong, mythical impression that feels fluid and powerful.
- Research
- Artistic and practice based research. The goal was to understand how water moves, shines and carries strength, and to translate this into a form that fits the ear naturally. The process included extensive sketching, observation of real water movement and repeated redesign. Several early ideas were abandoned during testing. The final piece was hand-carved to preserve a natural flow. The research improved design clarity and created a stronger emotional and brand connection.
- Inspiration
- My work is shaped by a lifelong connection to water. Growing up beside an oxbow and later returning to swimming, I was deeply influenced by the quiet weightlessness and shifting light beneath the surface. Because water surrounds us from birth and sustains both the body and the Earth, this collection seeks to honour its purity, fluidity and quiet strength through forms that echo its natural movement.