Abstract:
The fashion jewellery industry contributes to
resource depletion and waste through the continuous
production of single-purpose accessories. Sustainable
design approaches that extend product utility and make
productive use of waste materials can contribute to more
responsible consumption. This paper presents “Timeless
Versatility”, a reversible necklace primarily crafted from
scrap wood generated during furniture manufacturing
and combined with selected stone and fabric
embellishments. Designed for a professional model, one
side of the necklace provides a bold and glamorous
aesthetic suitable for runway shows, while the reverse
side offers a refined, textured appearance for evening
wear. Inspired by the peacock (Pavo cristatus), the design
translates the bird’s layered plumage, iridescent colours,
and natural elegance into a contemporary accessory. A
user-centred design process involving customer research,
concept development, material exploration, feasibility
assessment, and iterative prototyping was followed.
Handcrafted techniques including wood shaping, surface
finishing, stone setting, beadwork, and embroidery were
employed. Reversible construction enables one product to
serve two styling requirements, potentially reducing the
need for multiple accessories. The final prototype
demonstrated the feasibility of integrating scrap wood
with embellished materials to create a multifunctional
fashion accessory. Initial client feedback supported the
aesthetic and functional suitability of the prototype, while
the study also identifies the need for further user testing,
formal durability assessment, and environmental impact
comparison. The study demonstrates a design-based
approach to giving additional value to furniture-
manufacturing wood residues through contemporary
jewellery development.
