Reflection – Jet Jewellery

Reflection – Jet Jewellery

All photographs taken by Sam Ellis 21/07/2016

 

This project has been successful as I have designed and made a family of jet jewellery suitable for sale via the MMU Originals On line site.

The quality and design is to a high standard and fits into the low/middle end market it was intended for.

The jewellery has been well received from the craft/gallery retailers and can be reproduced on going as bespoke/low batch handmade production. Although it was apparent from the research that the more orthodox jet jewellers and the high street jewellers were not interested in this product, as it did not seem sophisticated enough to attract their older audience and suit their jewellery range.

All aspects of the research helped me design this family of jewellery, particularly the focus from the Manchester Metropolitan Design shows, as it gave an understanding of how products evolve and re invent themselves over time and how the ethos of an institution reflects the designs created. The research although in a sense random did give me direction on using reclaimed/ reused materials and choosing a raw material that shows heritage. The visits to the retailers Boodles and Munro House Gallery showed me the extremes and diversity of the jewellery market.

The research leads me to designs that are simple, modern, incorporating the smooth curves I had been influenced by.  The jet jewellery I designed would suit a 25+ female audience, pacifically pitching the retail price at approx £30.00, making the pieces affordable; targeting a younger audience.

Through the design and make process I developed the designs, having initially produced designs that helped me understand and appreciate the jet, I then proceeded to use my knowledge to produce, stunning, elegant pieces. Manipulating the jet was relatively easy, although drilling the product was risky as the jet could shatter. More attention would be needed in resourcing cheaper silver reducing the material costs and increasing the retail margins.  The decision to finish the jet surface with a matt effect, complimented the designs rather than using a super gloss level which is generally achieved by the jet designers. Choosing sliver chains achieved the best aesthetic results rather than using other materials such as gold or leather.

 The final design functions properly, look modern, are of a high quality and proved to be saleable, within certain markets. The packaging is effective and promotes the appearance of a quality product. I have shown how the future progression of the jewellery can be developed  through designing earrings and His and Hers key rings, indicating that designs could be focused towards a male audience, in designing cuff links or even pendants.

I have learnt a great deal from this project in respect to how to work with a material, how to develop designs and create a family of products. I believe I have fulfilled all the requirements of this project and designed and made a family of jewellery, using the key features and ideas taken from the initial research.

                                     

                                   BY Samuel Ellis End Of Submission Of Re-Sit Unit L5.