Why are diamonds and gems used in jewellery?
I explore whether there is another way
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, said Marilyn Monroe. As a certified Diamond Grader, I have seen many dazzling diamonds. However, diamonds and gemstones also have a less brilliant side. Working conditions are often poor in mining and stone cutting, and environmental damage follows. The high price a consumer pays for such a stone goes not to the miner and polisher but to intermediaries. The real cost is borne by nature, workers, and locals, who are left to deal with the consequences.
I'm not in favour of banning gemstones. Thankfully, more and more companies are offering socially responsible, sustainable stones, which is one step in the right direction.
My project explores whether things can be done differently. Can you also make something beautiful and valuable without precious stones and precious metals? Isn't the value in jewellery, as in other artistic expressions, in the idea and form?
The pierced pebbles found in the drill core sparked my imagination. I found the drill core among the rubbish of a house being rebuilt. The pebbles and concrete were part of a foundation. They stood firm together but became waste when no longer part of it. Reworked as material, they regained their value.
I appeal to look at our relationship with nature differently.