The statement "good design must suit the material used" implies
that the value of design is enhanced by the base material on which it is
applied. A sculpture made of ivory is considered more valuable than the same
design made of clay, and the same applies to jewelry made of gold or silver as
opposed to costume jewelry made of cheap metals and polished glass. In this
essay, we will examine the importance of material in design with reference to
the art of jewelry making.
Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of personal adornment and is
still a popular fashion accessory today. It can be made from a wide range of
materials, including precious and semi-precious stones, metals, and other
natural materials. The value of jewelry is determined by the materials used, and
the design should complement the material in order to enhance its value.
For instance, costume jewelry is made using cheap metals and
polished glass, and its design is meant to resemble that of expensive jewelry.
While it may look good on stage, it lacks the inherent value of gold, silver, or
precious stones. On the other hand, fine jewelry made of precious metals and
stones is designed to showcase the unique qualities of the materials used. A
well-crafted design can highlight the beauty of the materials and add value to
the piece.
The importance of material in design can be seen in the various
styles and designs of jewelry. A design that works well with gold may not look
as good with silver, and vice versa. Different materials have different
properties, such as hardness, color, and texture, which can affect the design. A
skilled jeweler takes these factors into account when designing a piece of
jewelry, ensuring that the design complements the material and enhances its
value.
In addition, the choice of material can also affect the
functionality of the jewelry. For instance, if a piece of jewelry is meant to be
worn daily, it must be made of a durable material that can withstand wear and
tear. Similarly, a piece of jewelry that is meant to be worn on special
occasions can be made from more delicate materials that may not be suitable for
everyday wear.
Furthermore, the choice of material can also affect the cost of
the jewelry. Precious metals and stones are more expensive than other materials,
and this cost is reflected in the final price of the jewelry. A well-designed
piece of jewelry made of high-quality materials is likely to be more expensive
than a similar design made of cheaper materials. However, the value of the
jewelry lies not only in the materials used, but also in the design and
craftsmanship.
In conclusion, the statement "good design must suit the material
used" is particularly relevant in the art of jewelry making. The value of
jewelry is determined by the materials used, and a well-crafted design can
enhance the value of the materials. The choice of material can also affect the
functionality and cost of the jewelry. Therefore, it is important for designers
to consider the properties of the material when creating a design, ensuring that
the design complements and enhances the value of the material. |