Abstract

This paper reports on the history and use of man-made crystals for jewellery in a contemporary context. The cross-disciplinary contextual review traces human fascination with gemstones back centuries, and covers key developments in their ‘imitation’. The infiltration of these man-made crystals in the market sparked the development of the discipline of gemology, through which they are often painted in a negative light. With innovations in the growth of man-made crystals revolutionising other industries (engineering, technology, etc.) , and their distinction from mined crystals increasingly more challenging, the paper reports on the terminology prescribed to the industry to describe man-made and mined crystals. These descriptions, which include ‘natural’ and ‘real’ versus ‘synthetic’, are interrogated in relation to key texts and a need for the identification of an alternative terminology is proposed. The jewellery industry remains apprehensive about the influx of man-made crystals, and only a small number of man-made crystal suppliers are growing crystals for the purpose of creative exploration beyond the imitation of mined crystals for jewellery. Through the review of artefacts, where man-made crystals have been used, their ability to enable creativity is highlighted, and their further future creative possibilities explored.

Presenters

Sofie Boons
Craft Council Research Fellow, Centre for Fine Print Research, University of the West of England, United Kingdom

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design in Society

KEYWORDS

Man-made Crystals, Jewellery Design, Contextual Review

Digital Media

Videos