22
A. Cappellieri et al.
which are difficult to distinguish from natural. However, synthetic diamonds have a
value of 40% lower than the natural ones.
In order to be able to distinguish the two types of precious stone, the blockchain
could be the ideal solution. This because the blockchain can create a unique token
for each natural diamond, with the physical characteristics of the product that cannot
be changed, and that can be recorded and traced across the different steps; from the
mine, to the cut to the final buyer. Also, certified security tokens would allow easy
transfers among buyers.
The evolution of blockchain technology reveals optimistic scenarios for consumer
information. It is not difficult to imagine how, in a few years, the consumer could be
able to use a smartphone to determine a gem’s provenance.
5 Conclusions
The essay highlights the contemporary challenges at the intersections of three main
areas: luxury, jewellery and sustainability.
It does this by analysing the opportunities and limits of the enhancement of goldsmith artisanal tradition but also taking into consideration the opportunities offered
by digital innovation. It is important to underline that one does not provide for the
exclusion of the other, but rather as analogue and digital, hand and technology find
their greatest balance and their maximum enhancement in coexistence.
The very rise of a new kind of consumer, more critic, aware and responsible,
with ‘sustainable thinking’, makes it possible to dare with more fluid assessments
that do not include categorical judgments in favour of one or the other approach,
understanding the life cycle of the product at 360 degrees. Precisely for this reason,
it is necessary to communicate information, to do it clearly in order to involve and
convince the consumer to invest in sustainability.
There is a famous phrase from the science fiction writer William Gibson that says
‘The future is already here—it’s just not very evenly distributed’.
4 It is something
to be built together, creating a dialogue and fostering harmony between designers,
companies and consumers and, based on their and our ability, transforming everyday
life.
Contributions
1. Luxury: From Preciousness to Awareness by Prof. Alba Cappellieri.
2. A Renewed Sustainable TRADITION by Dr. Susanna Testa.
3. The Digital Shift: The Impact of Digital Technologies on Jewellery by Dr.
Susanna Testa.
4 1990, Cyberpunk (Documentary), Directed by Marianne Trench, Produced by Peter von Brandenburg, An Intercon Production. [Excerpt occurs in Part 3 of 5 parts; Timecode 12:20 of 14:59] (Video
available in 5 parts on youtube; Viewed on 2012 Janaury 24) link.
A. Cappellieri et al.
which are difficult to distinguish from natural. However, synthetic diamonds have a
value of 40% lower than the natural ones.
In order to be able to distinguish the two types of precious stone, the blockchain
could be the ideal solution. This because the blockchain can create a unique token
for each natural diamond, with the physical characteristics of the product that cannot
be changed, and that can be recorded and traced across the different steps; from the
mine, to the cut to the final buyer. Also, certified security tokens would allow easy
transfers among buyers.
The evolution of blockchain technology reveals optimistic scenarios for consumer
information. It is not difficult to imagine how, in a few years, the consumer could be
able to use a smartphone to determine a gem’s provenance.
5 Conclusions
The essay highlights the contemporary challenges at the intersections of three main
areas: luxury, jewellery and sustainability.
It does this by analysing the opportunities and limits of the enhancement of goldsmith artisanal tradition but also taking into consideration the opportunities offered
by digital innovation. It is important to underline that one does not provide for the
exclusion of the other, but rather as analogue and digital, hand and technology find
their greatest balance and their maximum enhancement in coexistence.
The very rise of a new kind of consumer, more critic, aware and responsible,
with ‘sustainable thinking’, makes it possible to dare with more fluid assessments
that do not include categorical judgments in favour of one or the other approach,
understanding the life cycle of the product at 360 degrees. Precisely for this reason,
it is necessary to communicate information, to do it clearly in order to involve and
convince the consumer to invest in sustainability.
There is a famous phrase from the science fiction writer William Gibson that says
‘The future is already here—it’s just not very evenly distributed’.
4 It is something
to be built together, creating a dialogue and fostering harmony between designers,
companies and consumers and, based on their and our ability, transforming everyday
life.
Contributions
1. Luxury: From Preciousness to Awareness by Prof. Alba Cappellieri.
2. A Renewed Sustainable TRADITION by Dr. Susanna Testa.
3. The Digital Shift: The Impact of Digital Technologies on Jewellery by Dr.
Susanna Testa.
4 1990, Cyberpunk (Documentary), Directed by Marianne Trench, Produced by Peter von Brandenburg, An Intercon Production. [Excerpt occurs in Part 3 of 5 parts; Timecode 12:20 of 14:59] (Video
available in 5 parts on youtube; Viewed on 2012 Janaury 24) link.