Trendspotting: Asymmetry

Our brains are wired to prefer symmetry—after all, it appears in nature and things that we find traditionally beautiful. But expert use of the opposite, asymmetry, can result in surprising pieces that we love.

The key to making asymmetry work is balance. The visual weight of a piece must recreate the sense of balance that symmetrical designs have, which we are drawn to automatically.

In the Oreanda Illusion Wedding Set, the piece shows vertical asymmetry. The top of the ring features a bold, visually ‘heavy’ East-West Emerald stone in a bezel setting. The bottom of the ring creates the balance with a row of stones that interact with the main stone and build a sense of harmony throughout the piece.

A simpler piece like the Sobralia Asymmetrical Trillion Band also shows good visual balance. The shape of the Trillion cut stone is echoed in the swoop of the plan metal band. There is no part of the design that feels visually heavier than other parts, so the ring looks balanced.

The Elderflower Statement Ring uses natural inspiration in the design, which helps an asymmetrical piece feel more organic. The Pear cut stone cleverly mimics the look of a rosebud, and expert metalwork implies leaves. The Pear cut ‘flower’ is obviously the focal point, but the visual weight of the yellow gold accented leaf motif balances the design perfectly.

Would you incorporate asymmetry into your jewelry look?
Tell us in the comments or tag @foreverartisans on social media to show us.