Concrete, steel, and wood.

Publisher
Tisková zpráva
02.08.2016 09:15
Three materials without which most architects, designers, and other professionals in the construction industry could not imagine their everyday work. Building foundations, load-bearing structures, facade elements. You can commonly find them in all of these places.

But can you imagine them in the form of a ring, earrings, or cufflinks?



The idea to create a jewelry collection exclusively for architects was presented by Ladislav Eberl, one of the founders of the Gravelli brand:

"We came up with the first idea for concrete jewelry sometime in mid-2013, when our friend and fashion designer Mirka Horká visited us at the concrete plant. Her plan was to create a collection of men's clothing for the Mercedes Benz - Prague Fashion Weekend 2013, which would be largely made of concrete, and she asked us if we were crazy enough to help her with it. It seemed like an interesting project, so we eagerly got involved, even though the outcome was uncertain."

When you mention clothing made of concrete to an uninformed person, their first reaction is usually one of strong disbelief; in other words, they might consider it a good joke.

Our main goal was therefore to refine everything down to the smallest details, ensuring we left nothing to chance. This meant that both experts and the wider public who would come into contact with our work would evaluate not only the first crazy idea but, above all, the craftsmanship and careful preparation.

The development of mixtures and the method of applying concrete to clothing took us several days. Our otherwise normal craft workshop suddenly turned into a tailor shop. There were dozens of samples of various fabrics coated with concrete everywhere. And the result? A functional jacket made of high-quality linen with a thin layer of concrete applied and subsequent impregnation to prevent flaking and crumbling. Everything was custom-made. We were so enchanted that we, in a burst of creativity, produced concrete buttons and the first batch of concrete rings.

We created the rings primarily to enhance the impressions of the entire show; there was no deeper intention behind them at that moment.

However, the subsequent development pleasantly surprised us. The models walking down the runway wore several concrete rings on their fingers, which attracted so much attention that after the show, we received dozens of inquiries about where to buy the jewelry. At that moment, we realized that we could offer a functional alternative to the endless rows of classic jewelry made from gold, silver, and sparkling stones.

After a brief contemplation, we concluded that concrete, due to its fragility, could not serve as a ring for more than a few weeks. Just like in architecture, we decided to assist it with a stainless steel band that provides the necessary support and strength.

Over time, a cohesive collection of women’s and men’s jewelry has emerged, featuring earrings, rings, bracelets, and cufflinks—all under the guidance of Gravelli’s chief designer, Tomáš Vacek.

The inspiration from architecture is clearly recognizable in every piece. Common features include simple geometric shapes and refined use of basic building materials that warm the heart of every minimalist with an eye for detail.

So when you are choosing an original accessory for yourself or for your loved ones in the future, know that there is one option whose value is not determined solely by carats.

The entire collection can be viewed in the online store shop.gravelli.com, or by prior arrangement directly at the Gravelli production facility in Prague 9.
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