Abstract

Abstract:

This research report is an investigation on the use of organic contemporary jewellery as metaphoric interpretations of my personal experiences. The purpose of this report is to show how I use nature as a reference or as an inspiration to create contemporary jewellery pieces that are metaphoric to the aspects of my life.

The research behind this report is based on the means of self-conducted action research. This form of research involves planning, action, observation and reflection. The planning behind this research report is discussed in chapters one and two. The final jewellery pieces, their observations and reflections are discussed in chapter three.

Chapter one consists of paragraphs describing: the functions of jewellery, the positions of jewellery, contemporary jewellery, organic jewellery, movement jewellery, symbolism and metaphor. All of these topics are useful in defining the research topic.

Chapter two consists of paragraphs that discuss jewellers who have made contemporary jewellery pieces relating to metaphor and/or organic jewellery. These jewellers include: Beth Legg, Kelly Jean Conroy, Helen Shirk, Victoria Walker and Sharon Church.

Chapter three discussed the jewellery pieces that I have made, that were inspired by plants and flowers. Here I discuss the processes behind their construction, their materials as well as their meanings in terms of metaphor.