Between 2016 and 2020, Scotland will import £50 million worth of gold hidden in our tvs, phones and computers, but will recover just a tiny percentage of that. Most of it ends up as waste. What if there was a workable way to mine and recover that most valuable of commodities, cutting out waste and preventing further mining of this precious resource? What if that recovered gold could then be transformed into a piece of stunning jewellery?
This year’s elements exhibition, Perspectives: Jewellery for a Fairer Future, explores issues such as urban mining through objects and film and visitors can witness modern-day alchemy as gold is transformed from electronic component to waste to exquisite objects.
Ute Decker | Waves | Arm Sculpture
Perspectives explores urban mining as one of the many ways of creating fairly made jewellery and silver. Curated by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in partnership with Fair Luxury, an independent group of changemakers in the jewellery industry working towards greater traceability, responsible sourcing and sustainability, Perspectives will encourage viewers to consider how jewellery and silver is made and how materials are sourced.
Capricorn Gems | Opal Rings
Perspectives will present viewers with various ways to approach the concept of jewellery for a fairer future and what the implications and impacts of each are. Studio practices, material sourcing, social sustainability, the environment and working conditions in the jewellery industry are explored. In each case the story is told through beautifully designed and exquisitely made jewellery, gold and silver from makers across the UK.
Eileen Gatt | Eco Balance Bowls
The UK is leading the way in developing jewellery production and education. There are more makers engaging with thoughtful making practices, and therefore more opportunities for consumers to choose fairly made jewellery and silver. The time is now for work of this kind to be shown and we hope that both makers and consumers will be inspired by this presentation of a fairer future in jewellery.
ELEMENTS | A Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold
19 to 21 October | 11am to 6pm daily
Location | 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3RR
Entrance £5 includes catalogue (Under 16s free)