Seeds-based jewellery is a new embedded invention process which is an eco-friendly jewellery product that reflects the use of organic elements in jewellery design. The purpose of this research is to conduct viability on whether the identified organic seed has the aesthetic elements and significance to be explored as the main material for the seeds-based jewellery.
The laboratory process conducted on Areca Catechu (Betel Nut) seeds involved rigorous exploratory and experimental testing activities. The research findings showed that the material has the durability and quality to withstand regular usage when made into Seeds-based Jewellery item. The research hypothesis concluded that the tested tropical seed material has the potential to be used for jewellery making and fabrication. There is a need to explore other materials to suit the current trend. The jewellery fabrications use crystals and various types of beads such as wooden, plastic, bamboo shell and seeds. The researcher tried to explore Areca Catechu seeds (betel nut) or Pinang, which is suitable to use as an alternative material to create eco-friendly jewellery.
This study suggests the use of alternative material as a substitute other than precious stones such as crystal and beads which is becoming scarce and expensive emerges this new innovation which uses Areca Catechu seeds (betel nut) or (“Pinang” The Malay language term). Amongst the seeds are Saga (Adenanthera Pavonina), Tamarind and Areca Catechu (Betel Nut), which are found in abundance in tropical countries like Malaysia. However, these seeds are not being fully utilized commercially in products.
In the data analysis, information on the usage of the seeds as an alternative material and the exploratory process of Areca Catechu seeds are gathered. 99 (49.3%) respondents agreed jewellery made out of seed have potential on the market. 172 (85.6) of the respondents supported that eco-friendly jewellery has great potential in the market. This jewellery is more suitable for teenagers and therefore should be the target market, creating a new trend in Malaysian jewellery. The research shows, the approach to seeds-based jewellery design allows exploration of the fabrication processes of the jewellery by adding another medium to seeds. Further research and laboratory test is recommended on its durability, lifespan and natural colorant of the seeds. Product exploration may be developed by fabrication technique such as studs for menswear accessories, prayer rosary, as well as artistic embellishments and home decorations.
For more information contact:
Nazirah Mohamad Ba'ai
Hema Zulaika Hashim
Nafisah Ismail
Faculty of Art & Design
UiTM Shah Alam
Email: [email protected]
