2026 responsible design Challenge
Ben Harjju
Ben Harju is the owner of B. Harju Jewelry in Boise, Idaho.
The phrase “the quiet turning” was the first thing that caught my attention in Mara’s story. I immediately started thinking about movement and the idea that life is always changing, whether we choose that change or it happens unexpectedly. Mara loses her position but instead of moving somewhere new, she stays in place and begins exploring different paths. That sense of motion without necessarily going anywhere inspired me to include a spinning element in my design.
I decided to create a pendant where the top portion, which holds the gemstones, spins while the back of the piece and the bail remain stationary. Sometimes the pendant might spin on its own if it’s brushed against something, and other times the wearer can spin it intentionally. I liked the idea that it reflects how change works in life—sometimes it happens on its own, and sometimes we set it in motion ourselves.
The color palette of the stones—greens, pinks, and orange tones—reminded me of nature and sunsets, which tied nicely to Mara’s connection with the outdoors. I arranged the stones to create a sense of contrast and balance. The pear-shaped andalusites point outward, creating sharper angles when the pendant rotates, while the small sapphires introduce softer, rounded forms around the triangular moss agate. That mix of shapes reflects the duality in Mara’s life—moments that are busy and chaotic alongside quieter, calmer periods.
Overall, the pendant combines organic and geometric elements, which is something I often explore in my work. The honeycomb pattern on the back references nature, while the angular gemstone layout adds structure. When you look closely at the natural world, many forms are built on geometric patterns, and I wanted to reflect that idea in the design.
Because it’s small and wearable, I envision Mara wearing the pendant anywhere, whether she’s heading out to dinner or going on one of her nature walks. The spinning element adds a moment of interaction. If she spins it, it gives her a chance to pause for a second and take a breath—just a small reminder to step away from the day-to-day rush and enjoy something beautiful.
