The University of Kansas will host an exhibition later this month, showcasing the results of a fall 2024 class project that repurposes unwanted jewelry into new, creative pieces.
Since 2007, Ethical Metalsmiths has facilitated the Radical Jewelry Makeover initiative, which engages students worldwide in repurposing jewelry. The project highlights the environmental and human toll of mining metals and gemstones, often sourced from impoverished regions, sacred lands, and conflict zones.
At KU, Sunyoung Cheong, assistant professor of metalsmithing and jewelry, led the project. She invited donations and stories from local residents in Lawrence and Topeka. Participating students, along with regional artists from Lawrence and Kansas City, collected, sorted, and transformed these donations into new jewelry that honors their origins and promotes sustainability.
Many donations came from older residents and held sentimental value. Some pieces included vintage jewelry from the 1960s and 1970s, such as a Charles Revson/Aldo Cipullo 18-karat gold-plated love bracelet. Cheong explained that after Cartier released the original love bracelet in 1968, Cipullo created an affordable version with Revson of Revlon Cosmetics for mass marketing.
“This was a great learning opportunity for students. We explored historical jewelry, material identification, and the significance of these pieces,” said Cheong.
Some students pushed their creative limits, experimenting with new techniques and processes.
Among them:
- Charlie Gelhausen designed a skull pendant using recycled silver and beads from donations. The piece was created through CAD design, 3D printing, casting, and flocking on the backside.
- Soobeen Lee crafted yellow earrings from metal beads and wire. She disassembled the beads, individually powder-coated each one, and then reassembled them with wire.
- Grace Billman created a fake pearl necklace featuring pearls of various sizes, finished with ribbons.
Cheong expressed how rewarding it was to see her students grow as artists through this project. “Working with the community and organizations like Ethical Metalsmith has had a positive impact on them. It was their first time working on a project outside of school, and it was amazing to watch them challenge themselves.”
The Radical Jewelry Makeover Exhibition will run from January 21 to 31 at the Edgar Heap of Birds Family Gallery in Chalmers Hall. The exhibition will conclude with a reception and sale on January 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 31.
Leftover materials will be returned to Ethical Metalsmith after the exhibition.
Related topic:
- Gentle Monster Launches Futuristic Jewelry Eyewear Collection for Spring 2025
- Lab-Grown Diamonds Gain Popularity in Korea’s Jewelry Market
- India’s Jewellery Sector: A Year of Innovation and Growth
