AI and the Art of Jewellery: A panel talk in Edinburgh
In November 2024 we ventured beyond the familiar streets of London for our first ever event in Scotland. Kindly hosted by The Melting Pot – a friendly, community-orientated events and co-working space on the fringe of Edinburgh’s Waverley Station – we united curious individuals from the worlds of jewellery, design and tech for a panel discussion that illuminated the intersection between jewellery and AI.
Moderated by the incredible Lynne Craig (‘Computational Adornment’ Founder, Director of Innovation at the University of Edinburgh, academic in Design Informatics and pioneer of Augmented Reality try-on services in jewellery), our panel boasted David Wood (co-founder of AI-powered retail platform Moonsift), Maeve Gillies (tech-driven jewellery designer and craftswoman), Caterina Moruzzi PhD (Chancellor’s Fellow in Design Informatics at the University of Edinburgh) and Lisa Arnott (contemporary jewellery designer and Founding Director of Silverhub Studios, a community-orientated professional and educational studio.)
Together they explored the potential of AI to transform design, manufacturing, storytelling and customer engagement in the jewellery sector. Through an interactive audience Q&A session, we carved out a safe space for the ideas and concerns of our attendees, who each brought a unique perspective and set of expertise to the event – which doubled up as a networking opportunity. For those of you who couldn’t make it, this blog post is a summary of some of the key takeaways.
“The Jewellery Collective has enabled us to create a platform for wider discussion on the relationship between technology and jewellery. These sectors do not often collide. This event allowed a rich and informed dialogue to emerge, connecting across our industry - it is this layer of the sector which is required to ensure we are collectively able to address future challenges, and expand and share thinking on jewellery in its broadest context. The energy and enthusiasm that the Jewellery Collective team brought to this event has ensured we will continue to develop this agenda, which will support our industry embracing new networks and growth. Thank you and looking forward to our next one!” – Lynne Craig, panel moderator
AI in Design: A Tool for Amplifying Creativity?
From using ChatGPT to pinball initial ideas to inputting sketches for quick rendering, AI is a transformative tool that has the potential to streamline laborious tasks and enhance creativity in the jewellery design process. Whilst our panellists agreed on this, their conversation emphasised the importance of retaining human agency. Caterina, for example – whose research centres on human and artificial creativity, the philosophy of AI and ethical integration of AI tools in creative processes – feels that AI should be viewed as nothing more than a passive tool requiring active input from human creators.
Her research so far has revealed that AI can help us to visualise design ideas quickly, enhancing communication with clients and stakeholders. AI technology enables iterative processes (trial and error of different solutions, then refining and improving them based on feedback) – which allows jewellery designers to explore new concepts that might not have been considered otherwise.
Caterina does, however, caution against relying solely on AI, stressing the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship and authenticity in the creative process. “If we remove craft entirely, we lose the depth and creativity that only human experience can bring to the table,” she noted.
Lisa echoed these sentiments, emphasising the irreplaceable nature of human touch in jewellery-making. She argued that whilst technology offers exciting possibilities, it should only ever exist to complement traditional skills; not replace them. “Craft is an integral part of human identity and a unique selling point for makers,” she said – drawing on her 20+ years of experience in designing, crafting and teaching in the world of jewellery. “The physical experience of working with materials - from the sound of a saw cutting through metal to the tactile feedback of shaping a piece - cannot be replicated by AI.” Lisa believes that these visceral experiences play an instrumental role in inspiring jewellery design. The rise of AI, in her view, presents a new opportunity to highlight the organic distinctiveness of hand-crafted jewellery in an increasingly automated world.
The Role of AI in Storytelling and Heritage Preservation
As the conversation turned to AI’s role in telling authentic stories and preserving heritage, Maeve discussed her Aosdàna project, which involved taking 3D scans of original hand-carved antique jewels from the Scottish Isle of Iona to create new pieces of jewellery that bridge past and present. This advanced scanning technology enabled Maeve to digitise master patterns from the early 20th century; scans that then formed the basis for a contemporary silver jewellery collection that preserves the style, craftsmanship and stories of the original makers. The project underscored how modern-day technology can enrich narratives without overshadowing traditional artistry; an optimistic tale for those concerned about the potential loss of cultural heritage as technology advances.
AI in Retail and Customer Engagement
At the helm of AI-powered start-up Moonsift, David is no stranger to the power of AI in the world of retail. Moonsift uses AI to offer a personalised shopping experience with the help of data algorithms. In other words, it exists to help customers discover products that align with their tastes and preferences, streamline online shopping by organising search results and offering tailored recommendations, and encourage more considered purchasing decisions, reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the long term. In turn, this platform is also an appealing opportunity for small brand owners hoping to be discovered by their target audiences. Whilst large corporations currently dominate AI-driven retail, independent jewellery designers can too leverage accessible tools like SEO keyword planners and personalised marketing platforms to begin competing effectively.
Navigating Ethical and Practical Challenges
Whilst AI’s benefits and opportunities are evident, our panellists also acknowledged some of the challenges ushered in by new technologies.
Caterina, for example, emphasised the urgent need for a clear ethical framework for creative AI implementation that can be referred to as a universal guideline for responsible, transparent usage. This framework would cover areas such as respecting copyright, highlighting attribution, and ensuring equitable access to technology. This vision did also raise the question, however, of who has the right to set these margins?
There’s also the issue of ‘model collapse,’ Caterina warned, wherein AI-generated designs will become increasingly homogenised due to widespread reliance on similar data-sets. To maintain originality, she recommends exploring smaller and more tailored AI models.
Meanwhile, Lisa drew on her experience of social engagement work at Silverhub Studios to highlight the ‘Digital Divide’; the ever-growing gap between those with access to AI tools and those without. If we are to embrace AI responsibly within the jewellery world, companies must address digital poverty and create opportunities for under-served communities, Lisa urged.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Jewellery?
Looking forward, our panellists collectively envision...
Increased collaboration: AI as a partner in the creative process, enabling jewellers to push boundaries whilst preserving their unique voices.
Consumer education: A movement towards educating customers about the effort and craftsmanship behind jewellery, challenging society’s current disconnect with the products we consume and countering the misconception that AI can ever fully replicate human creativity.
A new Arts & Crafts Movement: A resurgence of interest in handcrafted pieces, driven by a reaction to AI’s rise and a growing appreciation for sustainability and authenticity.
“It was so interesting gaining an insight into the topic of AI from a range of perspectives and specific examples of its use in jewellery.”
The full recording of this panel discussion is available exclusively to The Jewellery Collective’s members as an evergreen resource. Please click here to learn more about the perks and prices of our membership packages, and keep your eyes peeled for further events exploring the future of jewellery.