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When you hear the word Derby, you probably think of horse racing: oval tracks, thundering hooves, and graceful curves. That same shape inspired the Derby Necklace and Earrings — a design that’s bold, minimal, and a little whimsical.
At first glance, the Derby shape looks like an ellipse, but technically it isn’t. An ellipse is a closed curve — like a stretched-out circle that never quite made it back to being round. The Derby shape is actually closer to what’s called a discorectangle: two straightaways with semicircular ends. If you picture a racetrack, you’ll see it instantly. Those straightaways are where racers build speed, while the curves make them slow down and lean into the bend.
It’s the perfect balance of energy and pause — and I loved translating that into jewelry.
Geometry Meets Jewelry
Confession time: I’m a total geometry nerd. In school, I memorized formulas just for fun (yes, even the area of a circle equation). Shapes, curves, and symmetry have always fascinated me, and they still find their way into my workbench today.
The Derby design started as a simple circle. Then, with a few careful bends, I straightened the sides, tightened the curves at the ends, and — click! — the shape popped into place. There’s something so satisfying about watching the ends curve symmetrically while the sides hold steady.
Why It Works in Jewelry
The Derby shape has personality:
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It’s bold enough to be noticed, but minimal enough for everyday wear.
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It carries movement and balance, echoing the rhythm of a racetrack.
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It layers beautifully with other pieces, whether in gold filled or sterling silver.
It also feels timeless — a classic oval reimagined with a fresh twist. Like geometry itself, it’s both structured and creative.
Explore The Derby Collection>>>
From the Derby Necklace to the Derby Earrings (in Large, Regular, and Tiny), this design is part of my Double Take Collection. Each piece is handcrafted in my Lake Lure, NC studio, lightly hammered for shimmer, and available in both 14k gold filled and sterling silver.
For me, the Derby isn’t just about shapes — it’s about finding beauty in balance, movement, and a little bit of math magic ✨.