Meet ‘3RD/DIADEM’

I spent over four years researching materials and perfecting my techniques for 3D design and craft. Following my maiden voyage into the creation of Dappe Comb, I realised that things weren’t as simple as they might seem. Where would I source manufacturing and which manufacturing method would suit my idea. I visited every trade show I could, meeting professional jewellery makers, model makers, casters, machine engineers, and product designers. I had the opportunity of a brain-storming meeting with a technical team from a big Japanese manufacturer – he thought this was it but it wasn’t, far from it. It was going to be a very complicated and costly process; even creating a prototype was way over his budget. Armed only with my unwavering belief in my product, I threw all I had into making my own prototype. I would only have to learn 3D printing, investing casting, machining, hand-crafting, jewellery making, anodising, and polishing. My living room became a digital workshop, my TV screen was a computer monitor, the kitchen was my laboratory and a tent in the garden provided sanctuary for the messier jobs. This was a rewarding, fun but very tough time for me. All my time and money were dedicated to perfecting my vision. Eventually, I achieved my eureka moment, discovering a unique material, made from recycled paper, which was created for high-end interior furnishing. This was the turning point, I had found the ideal material to manufacture Dappe Comb. The material is of high density and strength, with uniformed solidity to support the fine teeth detail of the comb. It is also light, of beautiful colour and has a natural stone like texture that harmonises with my design.