Hi all! As promised earlier this week, this awesome post is dedicated to the amazing and unique ring series collection by Vika Tonu.see her page here
When i first saw the collection, i immediately knew that the ring representing my zodiacal sign, is actually a reflection of myself as an individual. Therefore, the best thing to do, is to share this unique concept with all of you and hoping that you will find yourself in any of these creations.
Vika was willing to give me some insights about how all started, so you can have a better picture about the meaning of this beautiful ring series.
M: Hi Vika! How did you start “Dimiourgia” project?
V: “Dimiourgia” was born from a happy ‘accident’. If I can call it so, when during a play, I created a ring that immediately reminded me of the Greek letter OMEGA. The second step was taking a look at the Greek alphabet and realizing that each letter can be transformed into a wearable ring. From that point followed months of research into Greek culture, loads of sketches, samples in various materials, constantly redesigning and simplifying the shapes.
I believe in the power of the planets and in the fact that their course is influencing human behaviour. It is all so fascinating and at the same time hard to perceive and fully understand. The fact that the Greeks were so preoccupied with this aspect since ancient times, only made my theme stronger and my research deeper. There are several beliefs and theories, and this is why I decided to combine them and come up with my own interpretation of the correlation between Greek letters- Planets- Constellations- symbols and Zodiacal signs.
The whole alphabet (24 letters) was quite a challenge for me considering the deadline, so i decided to choose one powerful world, which can contain all the vowels (considered special and with sacred history) and that can summarize the whole idea. The word “Dimiourgia” means Creation, and can be interpreted in many ways.
M: What does this collection mean to you and to those who will wear your rings?
V: My first collection is also my last uni project for the Resistant Materials Module, so it has a great importance for me; both my debut into the ‘real world’ as an artist and the result of 3 years of learning and development.
I tend to look for symbolism and hidden meaning when i create, and i guess this ring series is a proof of that. Rings are in their essence symbols, but adding more to them si that the wearers can actually identify themselves with a particular piece is my touch. I hope my rings will create a special relationship with their wearers, reminding them about their personality, uniqueness, and the fact that they are daily protected by celestial bodies.
δ – silver and brass
‘Delta’ is the letter corresponding to the sign of Gemini, having its element attached – AIR. Ruled by the planet of Mercury it protects intellectual pursuits, balances the opposites and creates peace and friendship among people.
As a sign, Gemini symbolizes the ambivalent equilibrium of the cosmos, the balance of contemplative and active life and the creative energies of the mind.
η – silver and brass
‘Eta’ is the letter for the EARTH sign of Virgo, also having Mercury as a ruler.
Astrologically, Virgo denotes the logical powers of the mind, the ability to unify and negotiate. It also represents a receptive intelligence that accepts the spiritual seed in order to uncover new forms of life and knowledge, and the repression of instinct.
μ – silver/ black patination detail
‘Mu’ has correspondences for two AIR signs – Libra and Aquarius.
Libra’s ruling planet is Venus- the star of love and harmony and unsettling ambiguity. Libra is a symbol for public and personal harmony, the psychological equilibrium between consciousness and unconscious drives. As a constellation of the equinox, by contrast, it expresses the mediation between …
ι – brass and hard wood
‘Iota’ is the letter for the Sun, principle of life and fertility. A FIRE sign, Leo is the house of the Sun. A symbol of power, kingship and justice, Leo also expresses the determination to achieve one’s aspirations, the force and splendour of existence, a generous and lofty spirit, but also ambition and pride.
ο – brass and hard wood
‘Omicron’ stands for the cardinal sign of FIRE, Aries, having Mars as protector.
Aries designates the birth of the Sun (in springtime) and the regenerating energy of the Cosmos; it expresses the creative impulse, courage, and independence, but also unstable, explosive aggression.
υ – brass and lava stone
‘Upsilon’ stands for two WATER signs: Pisces and Scorpio, ruled by Jupiter and Mars.
Protecting Pisces, Jupiter also fosters success and a serene mind.
Scorpio symbolizes the return to the primordial state through a path of suffering and inner torment.
Ρ – brass and hard wood detail
‘Rho’ is the letter for Capricorn, a cardinal EARTH sign, situated in the diurnal house of Saturn, the planet of renewal and rebirth.
Capricorn symbolizes the Sun’s rebirth from death and the season’s darkness. The sign denotes detachment from the body and from matter, perseverance, prudence and a sense of duty.
γ– copper/ black patination
‘Gamma’, the letter for Taurus and its protector Venus , has the corresponding EARTH sign in its shape.
Assimilated to matter, the earth element, and the sensuality of Venus, Taurus symbolizes the uncontrollable eruption of primordial instincts, but also perseverance and patience in the pursuit of one’s aspirations.
ι – copper/ brass/ black patination detail
The second ‘Iota’ with its FIRE element and arrow, is the letter for Sagittarius, governed by the planet Jupiter.
Sagittarius represents the psychic energies stretched to overcome one’s limitations, a yearning for cohesion and synthesis, illumination and self-restraint.
α- copper/ black patination
‘Alpha’ is Moon’s letter – the ruling planet of those born under the Cancer sign, having WATER as their element.
Cancer is the sign of the unconscious, clairvoyance and fertility. Because of its link to the Moon and to water, both changeable principles in a constant state of becoming, this sign makes one restless and hyperemotional, but also capable of future rebirths.
With all these being said, Vika succeeded in creating an unique, personalized collection of rings with her own interpretation of the Greek alphabet. For those of you that wish to purchase any of these rings, please contact her at: victoriatonu25@gmail.com , moreover check her Facebook page: Vika Tonu
Mirona Minca 