Creating Accessories Of The Future: The Latest In Jewellery Making Techniques
Jewellery making is an ancient tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years all over the world. Many contemporary jewellers still use old techniques to create new pieces, but a growing number of jewellery designers are also using modern processes, technologies, and materials to reflect today’s trends and aesthetics. Eco-friendly materials, for instance, are now being used to make eco-conscious jewellery as one brand is using a compostable material made out of potato starch to craft luminous gemstones. Another brand has also recently figured out how to create a bioplastic from hemp, sugarcane, and fava bean, and the company now uses this material to manufacture biobased earrings.
Aside from utilising environmentally-friendly materials to craft sustainable and ethical pieces, more developments are coming up to revolutionize the jewellery industry. If you want to know more on how accessories of the future are going to be created, here are the latest in jewellery making techniques.
Increased Use of Alternative Metals
Accessory aficionados know that metals like gold, platinum, and silver are typically used in both traditional and modern jewellery making processes. However, a lot of designers are now experimenting with alternative metals since they’re lighter and more durable, and they also have hypoallergenic properties. Since about 17 percent of women and 3 percent of men experience an allergic reaction to certain materials found in conventional metal jewellery, many artisans have started using titanium, which is completely hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. It’s also favoured for its dark colour and modern look, as well as its strength and anti-corrosion properties. As a result, titanium manufacturers are now the go-to suppliers of modern and experimental jewellery makers, so expect to see more titanium rings, bracelets, earrings, watches, and necklaces available in the market.
Another metal that’s about to become highly popular among jewellers is tungsten carbide. This material is known for being extremely hard and scratch-proof, making it ideal for people who prefer low maintenance jewellery. It also has an attractive sheen that doesn’t dull over time, has a weighty feel similar to gold, and it can easily be cleaned with soap and water. What’s more, just like titanium, tungsten carbide is completely hypoallergenic, and it won’t cause chemical reactions that result in skin discoloration. But the best thing about this metal is that it’s more affordable than gold, so you can get an elegant-looking piece without breaking the bank.
Technology-DriZsses
Making batches of jewellery purely by hand can be costly and labour intensive. Although handcrafted jewellery is valued for its uniqueness and tiny imperfections that add character, many companies, especially brands that have physical stores worldwide, are now using machines and robots for mass production of their best-selling pieces. Using robots in factories can help jewellery brands to automate processes like polishing or cutting, which reduces human error and waste. These can also be used to do tedious or repetitive tasks such as sorting and setting stones.
Key developments in jewellery design and manufacturing are changing the game for designers and customers. These innovations are sure to help jewellers keep up with evolving consumer demands for sustainable, personalised, and more affordable pieces that will last for a long time.
