People used to keep a few locks of hair from their loved ones in lockets. When worn, it was a way of feeling close to that person.
Artist and jewelry designer Melanie Bilenker updates the idea by using real hair to draw scenes on lockets, rings, brooches and other jewelry items.
She does the drawings on sterling silver, gold, ebony, resin, pigment, real hair and assorted stones.
Implications - Many people enjoy going to flea markets and thrift stores to find that special something that is unlike anything else. Artists that create supremely unique pieces, such as the featured pendants made with hair, are valued by consumers because the pieces are seen as one-of-a-kind. Businesses that offer items that took a lot of time and effort to create will give their thrift-seeking consumers a thrill.
Drawing With Hair
Jewelry by Melanie Bilenker
Trend Themes
1. Hair Jewelry - Opportunity for jewelry designers to incorporate unconventional materials like hair to create unique pieces.
2. One-of-a-kind Pieces - Creating unique items like the hair jewelry will give businesses an upper hand in offering shoppers something that cannot be found anywhere else.
3. Nostalgic Items - People's desire to connect with loved ones will open up opportunities to create items that involve sentimental objects like lockets and hair.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry - Jewelry designers can find ways to incorporate sentimental objects and nostalgia into their creations.
2. Thrift Stores - Businesses that offer unique, one-of-a-kind items will be in high demand by thrift store shoppers.
3. Art and Crafts - Artists and creators can explore unconventional materials and nostalgic themes to make unique pieces to appeal to consumers.