The Pencil Returns
From fun or functional instrument to one-of-a-kind jewel. This is how Korean designer Sally Sohn transforms simple pencils into something precious and surprising
It is certainly one of our earliest childhood memories, with one of those objects that we treasure as kids. We use them at all ages to doodle, draw or take notes. Then there are those creative types who use them as tools to come up with the first sketch of a dress or accessory. The pencil is something that is intrinsically functional but it is fun at the same time, and though today, in the digital era, it seems to be almost obsolete, why not transform its iconic shape into a precious jewel? This is Sally Sohn’s idea. The Korean designer likes to bring a bit of fun and frivolity to her creations. “Pencil” is a high jewelry collection that is exuberant and colorful, bringing together a 1960s punk-rock style with contemporary glamour. Sohn, who divides her time among Los Angeles, New York and Seoul, has come up with a series of accessories with a meticulous design that reproduces the shape of the pencil perfectly, turning the typically wooden shaft into a piece in 18-carat gold, with the “lead soul” in precious stones like amethyst, tsavorites, sapphires, rubies and diamonds. Kaleidoscope is the name of the most important piece - it is a pendant that can also be used as a brooch, and it features a precious array of small pencils. While all pieces are surprising and cheeky, their inspiration is incredibly romantic and heartfelt. Shortly after her father died, Sohn found more than twenty letters her father wrote to her and never mailed - they were all written in pencil.
