This was a project in collaboration with Swarovski, as a part of a larger university wide conscious design program.
My collection won the competition for BA Jewellery design.
I was provided with a selection of unused and discarded crystals as a starting point to explore possibilities for future Jewellery.
The brief was to find new ways to work with Swarovski crystals in conjunction with ideas, developments, materials and concepts that would contribute to a sustainable future. Considering how the crystals are seated and on what, to create proposals for future wearable jewellery.
CREATING CLARITY
My project
My collection ‘Crystallise’ is designed as a tool for discussion. The re-purposed Swarovski crystals have been engraved with words provoking ideas around the conservation of our natural world, and the current climate crisis.
The words are extracted from a poem I have written, ’Dear Climate’. My intention is to shine a light on, and magnify issues of climate change.
I am part of the generation that has woken up to our environmental reality, it is my responsibility to commit to purposeful, conscious design.
Engraved Swarovski crystals
Engraved Swarovski crystals
I endeavour to create pieces of jewellery that will be passed down through generations, modified and updated through time. The component that will stay permanent is the crystal, and its message. A discrete word or phrase engraved onto the crystal allows the wearer to connect with their own personal reaffirming commitment to sustainability. These Swarovski crystals promote and encourage a sense of responsibility for the natural world. A jewellers loupe may be used to focus the eye and the mind. Creating clarity and a commitment to the future.
'Upon closer inspection' ring
'Clarity' Ring
'TRUTH' ring
Research
Design development
Material development
Dear climate,
Crystal clear our rivers streamed,
Full of life, the ocean teemed
With diversity, but now all washed away,
There is little life left here today.
The waves still lap against the shore,
Sheets of plastic we never called for,
These days they bring unwanted threats,
Carried for miles on our regrets.
Vast and lush, bright Tropic lands,
Give shelter to our flora.
Trash littered, strewn, across our sands,
wildlife’s broken aura.
We’ve been blinkered, blinded by our own greed,
From the realities of our future.
Now Mother lies in desperate need,
Of protection from her abuser.
Upon closer inspection you’ve been calling for protection,
Its only now we realise that the damage is done,
We’ve drained your resources,
Underestimated your forces,
Now we’ve gained clarity,
It’s time to change our mentality.
Focus the gaze,
And face our reality.