Neo-gemstones - Events

UPCOMING:

@Institue of Materials Minerals and Mining 10.11.25

The lecture will provide an overview of my 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'.
Register for free here: https://www.iom3.org/events-awards/ems-event-calendar/neo-gemtones.html
Time: 6.30pm – 8pm
Address: Millennium Point, Birmingham

@DIVA Museum during Obsessed Antwerp 21-23.11.25

What makes a piece of jewellery relevant today? Is it a jewel, an object, a thought? In At This Point, contemporary designers present their perspective on jewellery as an artistic medium; not merely as an ornament, but as a carrier of concepts, research and meaning.
At This Point calls for reflection and discovery. The exhibition is a snapshot of a field in motion, in which each participant presents their own path and artistic quest. This results in a temporary fusion of methods, materials and forms; from wearable to sculptural, from subtle to pronounced, each work explores in its own way what a piece of jewellery can be today. The selection shows the richness of the field: material experiments, conceptual reflections, sophisticated interventions and powerful statements. Together, they form a contemporary portrait of jewellery as an expression of critical thinking.
Organized by alumni Lars Joosten and Elisabeth Pira, the participating artists for this event are: David Huycke, Lore Langendries, Charlotte Vanhoubroeck, Annika Ingelaere, Lars Joosten, Juan Harnie, Elisabeth Pira, Maria Konschake, Julia Boix-Vives, Myrthe Lefèvre, Svea Finck, Sarah Nicolaï, Felien Tytgat, Sofie Vanbelle, Sofie Boons, Anneleen Swillen, Nedda El-Asmar, Gésine Hackenberg, Into Niilo, Jana Brevick, Jinzi Lui, Yotam Bahat, Daniel Jirkovsky, Jeannette Knigge, Laila Marie Costa, Mengying Sun, Diana Kirdeeva, Meeree Lee, Sareh Zarghampour. United through their former training at PXL-MAD School of Arts, Hasselt, each have developed their own unique path within the contemporary jewellery field. They do not share a uniform style or generation, but do share a critical, inquisitive attitude. Their artistic creations question the boundaries of jewellery; it is at the interface between art and craft.
Time: 10:00 -18:00, opening event Friday, 21 November, 18:00–22:00
Address: Kaasstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Past:

Solo Exhibition Neo-gemstones 28.11.24 - 3.12.24

To accompany the defence of my PhD research in the arts titled ‘Neo-gemstones: An Alchemical Jeweller’s Exploration of Lab-grown Crystals and Related Technologies, Proposing Innovations Whilst Challenging Context, Terminology, and Underlying Assumptions’ a solo exhibition was set up which was open to the public between 28 November and 3 December 2024.
F-Block Gallery, University of the West of England Bristol, City Campus at Bower Ashton, Kennel Lodge Road, Bristol BS3 2JT.

Neo-gemstones @Gabriele Space 11.-15.03.25

For Munich Jewellery Week 2025 I collaborated with Gabriele Space and IMAL to set up an exhibition on the theme of 'Neo-gemstones'. The exhibition included work from my PhD research, featured the work from University of Applied Sciences Trier/ Idar-Oberstein Bling It workshop participants and a selection of young artists from the Gabriele Space and KUR network.
For the occasion there was a seminar by Sofie Boons, Julia Wild & Daniel Rytz on Saturday 15.03.25 from 11:00 - 12:30
Address: Gabriele Space / IMAL Kontrapunkt GmbH, Dachauer Str. 54, 80335 Munich
More information here.

@Material Matters during the London Design Festival 17-20.9.25

Material Matters is a platform dedicated to exploring the vital role materials play in shaping our environment. Rooted in a belief that materials are more than just building blocks, they champion circular design, craft, and creative collaboration across the architecture and design industries.
Material Matters returned to London with an exciting line-up of exhibitors, installations and curated content exploring material intelligence in architecture and design.
Running from 17–20 September 2025 at its new home, Space House in Covent Garden, the fair was once again a key destination during the London Design Festival. Known for championing sustainable innovation, emerging talent, and leading industry voices, Material Matters London continues to grow as a must-visit for designers, architects, makers, and specifiers interested in materials and their impact.
Address: Space House, Kingsway, London WC2B 4AN

@World Design Congress 9-10.9.25

Over two powerful days, the Barbican Centre came alive with inspirational keynotes, provocative discussions, intimate conversations, dynamic workshops, book launches, unconferences, and hands-on activations. As part of the congress I presented a poster.
NEO-GEMSTONES®Crafting Luxurious Futures from Urban Mined Crystal WasteThe jewellery industry faces ethical and environmental challenges, especially in gemstone sourcing, and while there are processes in place to recycle metals, this is rare for crystals. Meanwhile, crystal growth has evolved to an industrial necessity. Despite its artistic potential, jewellers were historically excluded, and lab-grown gemstones remain contested. Sofie’s research explores the use of crystal waste and local crystal growth to create sustainable alternatives, supporting a circular economy and revitalising UK jewellery craftsmanship.
Address: BARBICAN CETRESilk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

@London Jewellery Show 1.9.25

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.
As part of the Innovation/Materials panel, I shared an insight into my research.
Address: THE NATIONAL HALL, OLYMPIA, LONDONHammersmith RoadLondon W14 8UX

Neo-gemstones @Glasgow School of Art 05.02.25

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 lecture provided an overview of my 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'.
A Drawing Threads Research Cluster Event for staff and students, funded by Glasgow School of Art Sustainability and UWE Bristol. Tickets are upon request only, please contact me for more information.
Address: The Reid Auditorium, The Glasgow School of Art, The Reid BUilding, 167 Reinflew Street, Glasgow, G3 6RQ

Neo-gemstones @CFPR Lunchtime Seminar 12.02.25

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 lecture provided a short overview of my 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'.
Location: Online

Neo-gemstones @Royal College of Art 14.05.25

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 lecture provided an overview of my 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'.
Address: Battersea Campus

@Silver&Steel Bristol 2.10.25

As part of a panel during sustainable fashion week, I shared an insight into my research and pondered a sustainable future for the jewellery industry. Panellists included Anna Mclaughlin and Stuart Pool, hosted by Kim Thompson.
Address: 74 East Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EY Bristol