STUDENTS are calling for the tangled chains and mismatched earrings languishing at the base of jewellery boxes to be turned into glittering new pieces.
The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) and Ethical Metalsmiths have teamed up with art colleges to bring the Radical Jewellery Makeover (RJM) from the USA to the UK.
It’s a fun initiative that helps reduce the environmental impact associated with the sourcing of the materials often used in commercial jewellery.
Karen Westland, SGT’s Ethical Making Programme Manager, said: “RJM is a great way to recover all the unworn, unloved, unfashionable and broken jewellery – or pieces that are no longer your style – that are lurking at the bottom of boxes, bags and drawers and give it a fresh chance to glitter.
“At the same time we want to highlight the creativity of Scotland’s makers and designers, while raising awareness and inspiring action around climate change, fast fashion and sustainability."
Between now and January 7 the RJM Scotland team is asking people to “mine” their jewellery boxes for unwanted items and either pop them in the post or leave them at a drop-off point.
They will then be transformed by jewellery and silversmithing students and tutors into fresh, responsible and beautiful designer items.
The pieces they create will go on show in an exhibition and sale in Glasgow at the end of March, with proceeds funding further efforts to educate and connect people with responsibly sourced materials.
As a thank you donors will receive a discount coupon to put towards something new.
The idea of bringing RJM to Scotland came from SGT’s student ambassadors who were keen to build on the outcomes of COP26 by developing a circular economy initiative that would turn waste and unwanted materials into useful and desirable new pieces.
The students and staff taking part come from The Glasgow School of Art, City of Glasgow College, Edinburgh College of Art, Fife College, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and Glasgow Kelvin College.
Among them are Honor Dodd and Ramsay Pagett from ECA.
RJM has been working with communities since 2007, educating jewellers of all levels about mining and material sourcing issues involved.
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