NEW JEWELLERY COLLECTION

POLISHED POLLUTION

When hearing the term water pollution, we tend to think of trash in the water such as pieces of plastic or soda cans. On the other hand the list of pollutants, which are not visible to the naked eye, are practically unlimited. Just think of pesticides, medication and cosmetic products. These chemicals eventually end up in the water and can have adverse effects on fauna, flora and humans.

The centre piece of this work are the gemstone earrings. These are inspired by the chemical structure of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), a chemical compound which was commonly used in industrial applications. This chemical was banned decades ago, but is still detectible in the environment due to its persistent nature. The collets of the hexagon gemstones depict the double bond in the benzene rings of PCB. Aquamarine, prasiolite and iolite are combined to reflect the subtle range of oceanwater colours.

Beyond further inspection, a ring with bleu topaz can be seen representing the micro and nano plastic pollution present in the ocean.

Furthermore the chemical structure of PCB is floating next to a corrosive soda can as well as a medication blister made with recycled freshwater pearls. Everything is ironically floating together on a blue wave of recycled plastic.