There are a number of things that put architecture and jewelry on the same level. Both are celebrations of creativity, where art comes to the fore. Both influence trends and inspire new generations. We spoke to architect Mert Ege Köse, who has made a name for himself with his unique designs, about his first experiences in the jewelry industry, and we also explored a few questions.

Your architectural designs are exhibited in Dubai, Bodrum, Diyarbakır and different venues in Istanbul. You recently launched your first project in the jewelry business. How did you come up with the idea of working in jewelry as well as your profession?

Well, actually, I have been making things like necklaces, bracelets and rings for quite some time. I use the pieces left over from the models I make on my desk, as if I were playing some sort of game. From time to time, I have also made objects that I guess we can call crowns that I wear on my head. I wanted to see if my sculptures could retain their aura when made in small sizes. Thanks to the Lion Diamond team’s expertise, this collection was born. If you have a look at it, this collection was actually sculptures that I did in their original size. By minimizing their dimensions, these pieces became jewelry. During this whole process, I was very impressed by the depth of knowledge that Mrs. Öznur Yakın and the Lion Diamond team had in the jewelry business. To see that such fine work can be done in such a small space was really fascinating.

You use strong colors such as purple, red, green and blue in your designs, in addition to the natural color of aluminum. What do you think the use of these colors express?

Aluminum is naturally a very neutral color. My attempt is to enhance the clarity and stability of pieces in that part of the composition by keeping the very regular and repetitive forms in the color of the aluminum itself. I heighten the effect of the amorphous pieces, which are another element, by combining them with colors that are more ‘random’ in nature. This contrast occurs both in form and color of the pieces. It is in these dualities that I am once again inspired by life and the universe.

You had your first exhibition in 2013. Planning another exhibition?

I have held 4 solo exhibitions from 2013 to date. I have also made many public and open space sculpture projects in both Turkey and abroad. I will have another solo exhibition in January 2025 and it will be presented to the public in one of the most prestigious museums in the Middle East.

Do you have any plans to produce different designs in wood or marble outside of your product line?

The artist has to be open to innovation at all times. In art making, there is this thing which is difficult to grasp with logic. It is the relationship you have with the material. You love a material; you embrace it and you come to terms with it by working with it. I feel comfortable with the material I’m working with now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll never work with other materials in the future.