As with most forms of adornment, jewellery design typically places emphasis on both the enjoyment of the wearer and impressing the eyes perceiving them — with the latter often prioritised over the former. German Kabirski makes a welcome departure from the posturing of most jewellery pieces, with the designer’s Egoist rings flipping the script and turning concealing its precious gemstones on the inside of the band.
Named after the concept of egoism, which posits that self-interest should be the primary motivating factor behind one’s decisions, the Egoist ring posits that the most precious things in life should be reserved for oneself. Crafted from gold or silver, each ring takes on a seemingly minimalist aesthetic defined by clean lines and blocky forms, with either a horizontally brushed or woven finish and perhaps a single inlaid gemstone. It’s the inside that shines though, with the inner band set with either lines of princess cut or organically placed cabochon gemstones.
“Egoist rings are about the self—the real one, not the showroom version. They hold personal values you don’t parade. They’re yours, and yours only,” explains contemporary jewellery designer German Kabirski. “That’s a new visual language of self-expression.”
Tapping into the notion that each individual is responsible for their own pleasure—and should perhaps prioritise this above the pleasure of others—each Egoist ring postulates that value is inherent and exists whether or not it’s able to be perceived by external eyes. By touching the skin, the precious gemstones reassure the wearer—and the wearer alone—of their presence, providing silent reassurance.
Aside from proposing that beauty doesn’t require external validation to exist, German Kabirski’s Egoist rings tap into ancient wisdom. The Vedas, ancient Hindu texts, have extolled the power of gemstones for healing and protection centuries before the common era, while the Sumerians in Mesopotamia and the ancient Egyptians have also long used crystals and gemstones in intention-based jewellery and amulets.
Based on tactility and feeling rather than the outside gaze, the Egoist collection proposes that sometimes the beautiful things in life are best kept to oneself.
Words by Esmé Duggan
