2016/ Saskia Diez｜Arita Wares

Designer

Arita ware jewelry using scales

Saskia Diez

2016 collection Saskia Diez produced by HATAMAN TOUEN 2_Photography Kenta Hasegawa

Characteristic

German-based jewelry designer Saskia Diez has designed a porcelain jewelry range based on the ubiquitous Japanese design motif of scales.

Various motifs exist and are commonly evident in Japanese design including fish (notably carp), dragon and serpent scales, each imparting its own symbolic meaning, for example, dragon scales imply wisdom and virtue, whereas carp scales signify determination and bravery.

These symbolic ornaments and motifs abundant in Japan all contain their own deep meaning, however in the realm of jewelry design no such rich legacy exists as yet, a fact Diez is looking to address with her new series.

While still employing a contemporary design in her jewelry range, she is keen that the motifs also articulate a deeper, hidden meaning.

Profile

After studying to be a goldsmith and then industrial design, Diez worked at various design studios before setting up her own.

Her focus is on jewelry.

Diez’ works play with cultural references and display influences of art, fashion and industrial design, reflecting the zeitgeist without being overtly trend-driven.

On the decision to pursue jewelry design specifically Diez says; ‘What fascinated me is how jewelry functioned, what jewelry makes of us.

Jewelry is such an old theme, the need to adorn one’s self, it’s as old as mankind.’ Diez studies how jewelry sits on the body, how it moves, and explores production processes, including using recycled gold and silver, at her Munich studio.