Saskia Diez
German-based jewellery designer Saskia Diez has designed a porcelain jewellery 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 jewellery 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 jewellery range, she is keen that the motifs also articulate a deeper, hidden meaning.
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.
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