This piece marks the beginning of a new category for me: the Relic Hoops series.
At first glance it may look like a baroque filigree hoop earring, but the form behind it required far more technical experimentation than I initially expected.
The biggest challenge was the radial arrangement and symmetry of the ornamental elements.
The goal was to create filigree motifs that repeat around the circle while maintaining a continuous rhythm and visual flow across the entire hoop.
This is where I ran into one of ZBrush’s limitations.
Although it offers several symmetry modes, it does not have a fully developed system where symmetry axes and their positions can be freely adjusted, or where radial repetition and mirror symmetry can work together seamlessly within a single object.
In the 2021 version I currently use, the only workable approach was combining Posable Symmetry with Array Mesh.
This partially solved the problem, but it still required a lot of manual adjustments and small technical workarounds.
At some point during the process I realized that forcing perfect symmetry might not even be the right direction.
So toward the final stage I intentionally let go of strict symmetry and allowed the ornament to flow a bit more freely. In the end, this gave the design a more organic character.
Another important consideration was weight and wearability.
With rings it’s easier to think in monumental forms, but earrings cannot become too heavy or solid.
For this reason I chose a filigree structure: the open shapes and intertwined curves not only make the piece visually lighter, but physically reduce its weight as well.
I also tried to shape the main hoop structure in a way that keeps it stable while still remaining comfortable to wear.
The result is a piece that aims to remain detailed, organic, and wearable at the same time—while continuing the visual language that appears throughout my other designs.
This is the first step in the Relic Hoops series.