2_0_DiscoverGermany_July 2015_Issue28:Scan Magazine 1
26/6/15
11:37
Page 23
Art & Design
Portrait: Desginer Britta Schwalm
Glueckskind
®
A unique design for unique parents German designer Britta Schwalm has beautifully visualised the connection mothers have to their babies. Her unusual yet elegant collection of rings each carry a sleeping baby, either on the outside or on the inside of the ring setting. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: GLUECKSKIND®
Britta Schwalm’s label is called Glueckskind®, which can be translated as Blessed Child, and this is how the rings are best understood. They are not just a piece of jewellery like any other. The meaning behind them, a manifestation of the deeply emotional mother-child relationship, is as important as the elegant design of the ring itself. Schwalm takes her inspiration from her own son, who used to mainly sleep on his belly when he was a baby. After drawing him frequently in that position the idea for the special ring popped into her head. But there were some obstacles to overcome. “It took some time and effort until I was
entirely happy with the design,” Schwalm remembers. It is difficult to design a complete miniature baby. The size of it presented the main challenge. Later on 3D files were created and used to produce the wax stencil. Schwalm’s hard work paid off. The rings are made of gold, silver or platinum and are becoming more and more popular. International awards such as the A’ Design Award in the category 'Ready-Made' make Schwalm proud. However, her customers are always more important to Schwalm. To make sure the version with the baby on
the inside is not uncomfortable, customers can order a sample ring to test for comfort and check for size.The rings are an ideal gift for someone expecting, and can be bought in Schwalm’s workshop in Langen or online through the website. They can also be customised with an inscription or a precious stone. But Schwalm does not only design rings. Her diamond necklace called Eve’s Weapon has been funded by the prestigious world leading design contest HRD Antwerp, for innovative diamond jewellery. Schwalm’s stunning necklace bears 110 diamonds and arrived at the EXPO in Mailand, its first stop of its tour around the world.The necklace has also been nominated for the German Design Award. Schwalm’s journey can be seen as a shining example of true passion. Some might have said the idea for the ring was too unusual to be successful, but Schwalm followed her instinct. It was undoubtedly the right decision. www.dein-glueckskind.de
Issue 28 | July 2015 | 23