In 2022 Swarovski invited BA Jewellery students to collaborate on a project that explored the creative potential of their reignited crystal to communicate new ideas, make statements and explore opportunities. Using the Swarovski Sustainability Report as a focus, students were challenged to design statement jewellery inspired by social and environmental challenges.
Five winners were selected who excelled in the categories of best innovation, best statement, best concept, best design and overall winner.
Best overall
Nina Srdanovic was inspired by the key themes in Swarovski's Sustainability Report of 'supply chain', 'closed production loop' and 'circular models'. Referencing these terms, Nina used a chainmail structure made from ring loops which held together circular clay balls embedded in Swarovski reignited crystals. The colours of the balls are of the 5 UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals which Swarovski are contributing to.
-
Swarovspheres, Nina Srdanovic, BA Jewellery Design
-
Nina Srdanovic, BA Jewellery Design
Best innovation
Saravich Sungtrakankul created a bracelet influenced by traditional Japanese packaging. He explored solutions around packaging waste, a prominent issue in the jewellery industry, and used wood off-cuts, silk cord, copper and Swarovski reignited crystals to design a piece of statement jewellery that has both a natural packaging function and, once unrolled, becomes a bracelet.
-
Saravich Sungtrakenkul, BA Jewellery Design
-
Saravich Sungtrakenkul, BA Jewellery Design
Best statement
Imane Boutgueray's creation puts a spotlight on lung disease affecting mining workers through dust inhalation in the wider jewellery supply chain (a challenge that exists beyond Swarovski's production of man-made crystals). The piece resembles a large pair of lungs, one side representing a healthy lung and the other, created using 50 jet black crystals, representing a diseased lung.
-
Imane Boutgueray, BA Jewellery Design
-
Imane Boutgueray, BA Jewellery Design
Best concept
Zoe Zhang's creation is a nod to the blurred lines and precarious balancing of freedom of speech. Made of recycled silver and Swarovski reignited crystals, her ring depicts a bird carefully balancing on its beak. Zoe calls it an obedient bird - "if it is your jewellery, it remains in its beauty. Allow it to fall, if it is your liberation'.
-
The Frontier of Piece, Zoe Zhang BA Jewellery
-
The Frontier of Piece, Zoe Zhang BA Jewellery
Best design
Hana Mulaku's research was based on the ocean and how important reefs help heal the sea. Her work is a celebration of the oyster's function in the eco-system and its beauty. Hana created earrings made of oyster shell waste taken from restaurants; the jewellery item is modular and can be worn as a whole piece of only the stud, allowing choice and encouraging sustainability.
-
Hana Mulaku, BA Jewellery Design
-
Hana Mulaku, BA Jewellery Design
Discover more
-
Work for the Swarovski x MA Biodesign project with Central Saint Martins
-
Sissel Gustavsen, BA Textiles, Precious Fish. Image: Swarovski and Anja Riedmann
