The movement to “Go Green” has continually picked up speed for years now, finally hitting the jewellery industry after the release of Leonardo DiCaprio’s “Blood Diamond”.  When shoppers became aware that the mining of diamonds had a tremendous impact on both humanity and the environment, they started paying attention.  And where the attention of the customer goes, so goes the industry.

But 23-year-old Icelandic jewellery designer Hafsteinn Juliusson went well above and beyond designing and creating “green” engagement rings.  He dreamt up “Growing Jewellery”, stainless steel-based rings with tiny patches of Icelandic moss growing where gemstones would normally be.  The designer noted that they DO need to be watered like any other plant, but, if properly cared for, can last up to six months.  He also said that he designed his pieces for people who lived in the city and had become detached from nature.  This collection, he believes, brings ‘nature toward man’. 

“Growing Jewellery is a redefinition of modern values,” Juliusson says, “It is a clash of jewellery and gardening; couture and organism”.  His ideas are definitely ground-breaking and fresh, but how practical?  The rings are definitely conversation starters, and do bring attention to the subject of the environment, but at almost $785 each, a person needs to have free cash lying around to buy a new one every six months.  The collection includes single rings and more rugged “brass knuckles” styles.

Nonetheless, the concept is a beautiful one, and the designer created jewellery with plants growing inside.  There is a lot to be said for that.  When a customer buys a ring, the moss is already growing inside, and it doesn’t need to be pruned because, according to the designer, the moss “grows so slowly that you can’t even see it”.  Hafsteinn Juliusson brings ecological, ethical jewellery-making to his own fascinating level.

Related Articles: