The signet ring - aka the pinky ring or chevalière
- has meant many things to many people over the
centuries. From bearing the official seals of ancient Roman
dignitaries to adorning the little finger of loaded British
aristos, via a retinue of clergymen, 1930s femmes fatales, Mafiosi
and hip hop artists, the little finger ring has at one time or
another been worn to signify class, status, style and
attitude.
It is this long history that Beirut-based architect Dina
Kamal explored when seeking to reinvent the jewellery icon.
Referencing Bauhaus aesthetics and Art Deco jewellery too, Kamal's
PNKYRNG Collection comprises an ever growing - but always
harmonious - range of mens' and womens' rings handcrafted from 18
karat gold.
Nailing the vogue for luxurious minimalism, Kamal's pared
down collection is a masterclass in how pushing and re-examining an
idea can yield brilliant fruit. "You do that in architecture - you
re-study everything and the way you look at things is different to
how a designer or an artist would," says Kamal, adding: "The idea
is only 10% of the project, then it's about refining and getting
the proportions right because how it feels is as important as how
it looks."
A 5-colour gold palette and diamonds in complementary hues,
as well as a variety of subtly differing silhouettes facilitate a
mix and match approach to personal adornment with combinations
covering a spectrum which runs from classic chic to coolly
directional.
Because met up with Kamal to pick her brains on the
importance of form vs. function, being courted by Dover Street
Market, and her quest for the perfect pinky ring.
DINAKAMAL DK01
dinakamal.com
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