Recently I launched my newest alternative solitaire engagement ring called ‘Black Ink’. I would like to tell you the story behind this ring, why I created it and why I don’t eat octopus anymore.
I started exploring octopuses and squids while still at University for my graduation collection back in 2012. First pieces were big and not really wearable, more like show pieces.
During my exploration and research time at University I made several moulds from real octopus and even tried casting raw squid. It was actually bought from fishmongers so it wasn’t alive, but yes, 10 years later I still feel bad about it. On the positive note – the squid will always be alive in the form of bronze. However, I wouldn’t do this today.
To make the ‘Black Ink’ ring I went back to my old inspiration box and chose to continue working with the octopus arm mould I made years ago. This time I used only fractions of the mould. I was always really intrigued by octopuses and loved the textures and shapes of them and this time it was all about it’s suction cups.
The challenge was to make something interesting and unique. Octopuses have been used in jewellery in various shapes for many years and to be honest, in my opinion, most of it looks really tacky. My mission was to design something more subtle and understated – something so ambiguous that only wearer would know it’s origins.
I wanted to use an octopus suction cup to hold the gemstone as it makes a beautiful meaning as they use their suckers to carry pebbles to make homes for themselves. I chose black diamond, because of the black ink they release in self defence and run away from their encroacher. So the hidden meaning of this ring is it being a protector of the wearer.
Some facts about octopuses from the experts of National Geographic.
Octopuses are highly intelligent animals, masters of camouflage that have evolved an array of tricks over tens of millions of years. They can match the colours and even textures of their surroundings, allowing them to hide in plain sight. Octopuses can also release a cloud of black ink, which obscures them and dulls an encroacher’s sense of smell.
The octopus’s arms are lined with hundreds of suckers, each of which can be moved independently thanks to a complex bundle of neurons that acts as a brain, letting the animal touch, smell, and manipulate objects. Octopuses can open clamshells, maneuver rocks—even dismantle the filtration systems of an aquarium tank. They’ve also can develop opinions about people; one routinely squirted water down the back of a keeper it seemed to dislike. Another shot a jet of water at a light to cause a commotion.
Solitary animals, they typically live alone, sometimes in dens they build from rocks, sometimes in shells they pull over on top of themselves. Some even make a door for themselves—a rock pulled into place once they’re safely tucked into their homes.
To this day I don’t eat octopus they are just too intelligent and cute!
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