Experimental projects with problematic materials in jewelry education

Abstract

Contemporary jewelry is characterized by a greater appeal to sustainability attributes, turning its attention to current needs. In Municipal Solid Waste treatment, one of the main associated issues is the lack of interest in the commercialization of certain sorted materials, which have almost zero commercial value. Thus, increasing the value of waste can be a tool to enable its use as secondary material, which is a practice that should be encouraged in the teaching of disciplines associated with Design courses. This article covers the theme of design experiments with a focus on sustainability and is aimed at jewelry education. Three projects developed by students are presented, which include the use of problematic materials, i.e., which have no commercial interest and would be wasted, even after selective collection. The projects include the processes of problem definition, research, and experimentation, for the development of jewelry which include as a highlight material: glass, aluminum from coffee capsules,and naturally dyed wood. The examples demonstrate that sustainable design practices can be carried out even by hand and can bring direct benefits by valuing waste.