Modern Monoliths: The Atomium Inspiration
Where Brutalist architecture meets the natural world.
In the heart of Brussels stands a 100-metre-tall monument to scientific progress: The Atomium.
The Atomium in Brussels, a geometric structure of spheres and tubes representing an iron crystal.
Designed for the 1958 World’s Fair, it depicts a single unit of an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. With its nine shimmering steel spheres connected by rigid tubes, it is a masterpiece of mid-century engineering - a structure that feels simultaneously like an ancient monolith and a futuristic vision.
To some, a massive architectural structure may seem a strange inspiration for fine jewellery. But to me, the Atomium represents the ultimate expression of my design philosophy: the tension between disciplined geometry and the unpredictable natural world.
The Atomic and The Organic
In the ATOMIUM Collection, I have taken the core themes of this iconic structure - the "atoms" (spheres) and their rigid connections - and translated them into wearable art. However, the collection is not just a study in symmetry.
Each piece features a deliberate juxtaposition. I contrast the structured, polished lines of tube-set gemstones with the rugged, chaotic texture of direct sand-cast metal. Just as the steel Atomium sits surrounded by a lush green nature park in Brussels, these pieces reflect a dialogue between the elemental and the engineered. The sand-cast surfaces capture the wild grain of the earth, while the architectural mounts provide the structural "bones" that hold everything together.
Materials with a Story: SMO Gold & Ocean Diamonds
A collection inspired by scientific progress requires materials that respect the future of our planet. This is why I work with SMO (Single Mine Origin) Gold. This gold is responsibly mined and fully traceable, ensuring that the beauty of the piece is matched by its ethical integrity.
Interestingly, I primarily use 9ct gold for this collection. While higher carats are more desirable, they are also softer, 9ct gold possesses a specific hardness that allows it to hold the rugged, matte texture of the sand-casting much longer, ensuring the "topography" of the ring stays crisp for decades.
To complete the narrative, I select stones that reflect the hues of the earth and sea:
Natural Tanzanite, Spinels, Zircons, and Sapphires: Chosen for their depth of colour.
Ocean Diamonds: Sourced directly from the seabed off the coast of South Africa. These diamonds are naturally dispersed by the ocean’s currents, making them a perfect fit for a collection that celebrates the intersection of geometry and the natural elements.
NAJ Finalist ATOMIUM RING 7 in 9ct gold with sand-cast shank and tube-set green sapphire, diamonds, blue spinel and green sapphires.
One of a Kind, Every Time
Because each piece is created using a unique sand-cast mould that is destroyed during the pouring of the gold, no two items in the ATOMIUM Collection are identical. Each ring, pendant, or earring is its own "Modern Monolith" - a unique intersection of architecture and memory.
If you are drawn to the structure of the Atomium but envision a different palette of stones or a specific gold alloy, I invite you to collaborate with me. Together, we can build a structure that tells your specific story.