Abstract
With crystal growing techniques having been around for many years, bespoke man-made gems now drive innovations in a range of industries. This has however not translated into the jewellery industry, where innovations with man-made gems have remained limited, and most are still produced to replicate mined gems. This paper documents my PhD study which is investigating the design implications, possibilities and limits of utilising man-made gems in the development of jewellery designs. As part of the research, and whilst conducting experiments and developing planned collaborations, the changing role of the designer is explored in relation to the amount of control and input the designer has had in the material development stage. Furthermore, the appreciation of these man-made gems and the context in which they are appraised is explored as part of the contextual review.
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Acknowledgments
This paper was written as part of an overarching PhD study investigating the design implications, possibilities, and limits of utilising man-made crystals in the development of jewellery at the Centre for Fine Print Research in the University of the West of England. For their encouragement and guidance in the conducting of my research I would like to thank my Director of Studies, Dr Sarah Bodman, supervisor Dr Laura Morgan and mentor Dr Adrian Geisow. A special thanks also to my industry mentor Dr Daniel Rytz. All of whose guidance through many hours of discussion has sharpened my focus. This research and the showcase was funded by UKRI, Research England, Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Fund.
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Boons, S. (2022). Man-Made Gems: An Investigation into the Design Implications, Possibilities and Limitations of Utilising Man-Made Gems for Jewellery. In: Bruyns, G., Wei, H. (eds) [ ] With Design: Reinventing Design Modes. IASDR 2021. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4472-7_234
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