What is Art jewellery

Sometime in the second half of 2021, AJF – Art jewelry forum asked its readers to respond to a question. They asked us how we defined/would define art jewellery and 42 of us responded. You can read the article with the many interpretations by different jewellers and collectors on the AJF website here.

Approaches to jewellery

Different people have different perspectives of jewellery For some, it is a symbol of wealth and status and limited to rare earth metals and gemstones. To others, is it an expression of self and fashion that is prevalent in the society. Some see it as functional – be it holding up a shawl as a pin or performing a social function such as being a symbol of affection. Of course, makers look at jewellery not only as a product but also as a process and the idea that eventually becomes that product. I have wondered why it has to be one and not the other. To me, jewellery is not just the concept, process of making, or a product, but also a narrative device that encapsulates the zeitgeist or the spirit of the times.

How do you define Art Jewellery

Having been introduced to Art jewellery only a few years ago, I found the concept utterly delightful. It discusses the idea of jewellery (making) as an artistic expression in addition to (not opposed to) being a wearable ornament. Art jewellery focuses on newness – prioritising an experimental approach to concepts, materials, processes involved in jewellery making. Most pieces of jewellery are sources of historical and anthropological information. However, not all can be narrative jewellery.

Art jewellery can hold within itself a narrative which could be decoded either easily or with some effort in the case of more abstract pieces. This narrative, unlike the concept note that accompanies the pieces, is sensorial and is presented through the use of elements and principles of design. Find below one of my Art jewellery pieces along with my definition of the same. You can find some of my previous contemporary art jewellery here.

Here are some of the other answers that I really liked. Copyright: AJF and respective owners.

I would love to hear your definitions and idea of art jewellery. Please share them in the comments.

Look forward to my post describing the What’s cooking: jalebi piece soon.

I hope you find it interesting
Cheers