N° 2 - What is contemporary jewelry?
The contemporary jewel it's a form of creative expression that unites craftsmanship, design And artistic researchUnlike traditional jewelry, its value depends not only on the precious materials, but above all on the idea, experimentation, and vision of its creator.
A contemporary jewel can be made of gold or silver, but also of resin, wood, fabric or other unusual materials. What makes it special is the creative project: each piece is born from a research on shapes, on the colors And on the way in which the jewel dialogues with the body of the wearer. Often these jewels are unique pieces or made in small series, because the focus is on quality of craftsmanship and the identity of the author. In other words, contemporary jewelry is not just an ornament: it's a small wearable art object, capable of telling a story and expressing personality.
Contemporary jewelry, traditional jewelry, and bijoux: what's the difference?
When talking about jewelry, different words are often used such as contemporary jewelry, traditional jewelry, or bijoux. In reality, they refer to very different objects from each other.
The traditional jewel It's what we're used to seeing in classic jewelry stores. Its value is mainly linked to precious materials used, such as gold, platinum, and precious stones. Processing can be artisanal or industrial, but the price depends largely on the value of the raw materials.
The contemporary jewel, Instead, puts the idea and creative research at the centerValue is determined not only by the materials, but above all by the design, the artist's language, and the artisanal process. It can be made of precious metals but also unexpected materials, because what matters is the artistic expression and the relationship between the piece and the wearer. These are often unique pieces or small series.
The jewelry (or costume jewelry) is an accessory primarily intended as fashion ornamentIt is usually industrially produced and made from non-precious materials, such as metal alloys, glass, plastics, or resins. Its value is largely tied to its style and current trends.
In short, while traditional jewelry is defined primarily by its materials and costume jewelry by its decorative function and fashion, contemporary jewelry is born first and foremost from creative research: it is a wearable object that combines craftsmanship, design, and often even an artistic dimension.
For this reason the jewels I make they belong neither to traditional jewelry nor to costume jewelry. They are contemporary jewels, thought and created as small designer objects: pieces in which the material, research into materials, and craftsmanship become an essential part of their identity. Each creation is born from an idea and a process of experimentation, with the intention of offering not just an ornament, but a jewel with character, history and personality.
A brief history of contemporary jewelry
The studio jewelry movement was born: some artists began to conceive of jewelry as a work of art, not just a precious object.
A new vision of jewelry as an artistic language was developing in Europe. At the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich, Hermann Jünger trained a generation of jewelers who would further the movement.
The movement spreads throughout Europe and the United States. The Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom become very active centers of experimentation.
Contemporary jewelry is entering the gallery and museum circuit. In Italy, artists like Giampaolo Babetto are emerging, developing a personal language that blends sculpture, design, and the goldsmith tradition.
The discipline is consolidated at an international level thanks to dedicated schools, exhibitions and museum collections.
Contemporary jewelry is recognized as a form of exploration between art, design, and craftsmanship. Artists experiment with materials, techniques, and meanings, transforming jewelry into a medium capable of expressing identity, culture, and personal visions.
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