CFPR Lunchtime Seminar: Sofie Boons- Neo-gemstones

With crystal growing techniques having been around since the 19th century, man-made crystals now drive innovations in various industries. This has, however, not fully translated into the jewellery industry, where they continue to be the subject of great debate. The seminar will provide a brief overview of Sofie Boons’ PhD research titled ‘Neo-gemstones: An Alchemical Jeweller’s Exploration of Lab-grown Crystals and Related Technologies, Proposing Innovations Whilst Challenging Context, Terminology, and Underlying Assumptions’. Following a short historical and contemporary review, the presentation, will illustrates the creative potential of incorporating lab-grown gemstones through three case studies: using urban mined lab-grown waste gemstones; collaborating with scientists to develop and use novel crystals with unique properties, such as phosphorescence; and incorporating crystal growth technologies directly into a Neo-alchemical jeweller’s practice. For more information, visit www.neo-gemstones.com.