Radical Jewellery Makeover (RJM) draws attention to the creativity and skills of local jewellery designers, revealing stories behind personal collections and encouraging a re-consideration of our habits of consumption. The exhibition presents an array of re-imagined and thoughtfully designed pieces from makers across Scotland. Over a dozen students and staff from GSA S&J participated in this selling exhibition.

RJM is a project originated and developed by Ethical Metalsmiths, a group based in the United States dedicated to inspiring responsible jewellery practices through education, connection and action. It is an international community jewellery mining and recycling project focused on education and collaboration. It brings together jewellers, working together to examine mining issues while making innovative jewellery from recycled sources. This project has travelled around the world since 2007, educating jewellers of all levels about mining and material sourcing issues involved in jewellery making through an exciting, fast-paced project.

The ‘Butterfly’ Brooch has been constructed using disregarded earring backs from some of the donated pieces. Using white metal, yellow metal and handmade tube, I have constructed a simple brooch frame. The butterfly earring backs have been given a new life by being riveted through the brooch. The brooch symbolises the often referenced ‘Butterfly’ metaphor representing rebirth, transformation and change. Andrew’s aim is for the Butterfly brooch to be more than just a single piece of wearable jewellery but to act as a canvas for old, or unwanted, earrings to be grouped and pinned to thereby giving new life to something which might otherwise be discarded.

9ct gold and sterling silver (recycled)

Participating Institutions -
The Glasgow School of Art
City of Glasgow College
Edinburgh College of Art
Fife College
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
Glasgow Kelvin College