Traditionally, the rule of thumb for jewelry design was symmetry and matching. Over the years, earrings and necklaces have mirrored one another and stones and beads have been assembled in matching order. The rule of symmetry is becoming antiquated. Jewelry design is leaning toward character and signature designs rather than polish and symmetry. Due to the recent changes to jewelry trends and designs, the field is also focusing on the individuality of the user. This article highlights the benefits and recent evolution of asymmetrical jewelry as well as tips on how to confidently wear these designs.
Why Asymmetry Feels More Personal
Jewelry designs that stray from predicable symmetry have more character. Jewelry with asymmetry also creates more movement and draws the eye across the design. Jewelry with asymmetry reflects the character and individuality of the user.
Asymmetry also reflects the character of the user. The majority of people do not follow a clothing or stylistic symmetry, so designs that incorporate asymmetry and character feel like a natural extension of the user.
Due to the character of the natural stones, asymmetrical designs can not be replicated. The stones will never have a perfect clarity or color so each stone has its own fingerprint. This unreplicable quality allows the designer and user to have a piece that is signature to them and their character.
The Growing Popularity of the Toi et Moi Ring
One of the most impactful ring styles utilizing asymmetry is the Toi et Moi. The French phrase “toi et moi” translates to “you and I” in English and refers to the style that incorporates two gemstones side by side instead of a large center stone. The design is driven by the central theme of contrast.
The design is very much focused on the aesthetic of contrasting shapes. Imagine a luminescent oval moonstone and a soft pink morganite of a pear cut. Though they have different colors and shapes, the stones contrast and balance to create harmony of design.
The romantic nature of its design, along with the artistic duality of the silhouette, has led to the Toi et Moi ring being a popular choice for engagement rings as well as a statement ring; the design has a story. The Toi et Moi ring can be classified in the space between contemporary and modern design.
Nature as the Inspiration for Imperfect Beauty
If one looks closely at nature as an example of design, beauty doesn’t equate to strict symmetry. Flowers lack perfectly round petals. Trees have bark that is uneven and branches that are asymmetric. Rivers are quite the opposite of linear. Designers who aim to incorporate asymmetry draw inspiration from nature.
Here is where we see the full range of benefits of organic design. Instead of forcing stones into perfectly matched settings, jewelers let the flowing silhouettes and uneven cuts of the gemstones guide the design. The result is an aesthetically pleasing natural formation rather than an unnatural fabrication.
This vision is perfectly complemented by handcrafted jewelry. With hand crafted jewelry small variations are viewed as a beautiful feature. With a hand formed band and a cluster of uneven stones, the imperfections become a part of the artistry. With carefully crafted hand formed jewelry, these variations are seen as beautiful features of the jewelry, unlike mass manufactured jewelry.
How to Wear Asymmetrical Jewelry with Confidence
The most important organizing factor of jewelry design is the attitude of the wearer rather than the design itself. That said, we offer you a few tips.
Let an asymmetrical piece of jewelry take center stage. An off center gem ring will look great on its own, or paired with a few simple gold or silver rings to create a relaxed look.
For earrings, use mismatched pairs. A stud in one ear and a longer drop in the other will look modern and intentional. Choose a metal or color scheme for each set that will create a contrast.
Sometimes a more gentle imbalance is more pleasing. Long chains and uneven pendants are great examples of this.
Outfits should have your jewelry be the highlight. Pairing an eye-catching piece with a simple item, such as a t-shirt or button up, is a great contrast to keep your look refined and focused. Using a piece with asymmetry also brings focus to a piece that should be highlighted in your outfits.
Why Thoughtful Design Matters More Than Perfect Symmetry
As you look at asymmetry in jewelry, keep in mind that not everything ugly is beautiful. Pieces can look unbalanced, but still be designed and crafted well. Similarly, literal unbalanced asymmetry can look refined, while design with no thought looks balanced.
As you look at fine jewelry that has asymmetry as a guiding design principle, look for these traits:
- Jewelry Setting: Stones that look like they have a clean setting should have crafted prongs or bezels.
- Metal Integrity: Solid gold and sterling silver should be the base metals as opposed to metals with a thin plating.
- Stone Selection: Stones that look as if they have no life should be natural stones with some depth such as moonstone and morganite.
- Finishing: Pieces should look smooth and polished and should be the result of care.
A well-designed piece of jewelry can look just as great and relevant a decade from now, and is a great piece for the design to be meaningful and asymmetrical. Trends will change, but jewelry design that is thoughtful will stay in style.
Final Thoughts
The evolution of beauty standards towards celebrating imperfections is the most encouraging aspect of moving away from the design principle of symmetry. Shopping for asymmetrical jewelry entails looking for jewelry that tells a story and highlights unique pieces. Natural forms are not perfect, and with asymmetrical pieces, you can celebrate the beauty of imperfections. With asymmetrical jewelry, self-expression is a priority. The growth and popularity of asymmetrical forms is pushing the new design theory of modern jewelry.
