Symbols of Faith
The central theme of the second edition of New Traditional Jewellery will be ‘faith’. Whichever way we look at it, be it in the sense of existing religions or non-organized spirituality, his faith reflects the way in which an individual views life, and this may be displayed in the form of a symbol worn on the body.

Religious jewellery and bearers of spiritual force boast a rich tradition, e.g. rosaries, small reliquaries containing remains of saints, crucifixes, medallions, all manifestations of Buddha, charms, prayer beads, amulets, special beads to ward off the Evil Eye. Then there are portable holders for texts from the Koran and other sacred writings; objects hanging from chains worn by witch doctors in Africa, Asia and by the American Indian tribes in the USA; strings of beads characteristic of the Condomblé religion of former slaves in South America, etc.

The shapes, materials and symbolism of these ornaments are diverse, but none of them are worn just for adornment or by way of status symbol. They all fulfil a clear function. On the one hand they are symbols bearing witness to someone’s belief (even if you are the only one to know its meaning). On the other hand they may be useful: the bearer must be protected, cursed, become pregnant, rich and happy. They are bearers of spiritual force charged with meaningful materials or rituals.

Symbols of faith or religion have never quite disappeared from the street scene. Secularization does not necessarily lead to a decrease in believers. In Western Europe a clear shift has been taking place from institutionalized religion (churches and communities) to a more individual interpretation. At the same time the institutionalization of Islam is on the increase. Usually we associate this religion with headscarves and terrorists, but it also boasts an extremely rich jewellery tradition.

What do you believe in? What statement do you want to make? New Traditional Jewellery 2007 invites jewellery designers from this country and abroad to enrich the existing traditions with new interpretations. Ornaments representing a new union, a personal spirituality, or a new form of expression in a world religion. New saints. Or bearers of spiritual force granting you energy.

New Traditional Jewellery will be a part of the SIERAAD 2007 fair in Amsterdam, Holland. During the fair the names of the five winners will be announced, and there will be an exhibition of a selection from the 65 best designs.

It is the combination of emotion, story, past and craftsmanship that moves and impresses the jury.

Jury "New Traditional Jewellery":

Carin Reinders	director CODA Museum Apeldoorn
Fred W. Brom F.G.A.	Steltman Jewellers The Hague
Isabella van den Bos	collector of jewellery art
Herman Hermsen	Jewellery artist and Professor of Jewellery and Product Design at the Düsseldorf Higher Vocational Training College
Astrid Berens	Director SIERAAD
Anne Berk	journalist for Kunstbeeld and Het Financieële Dagblad
Charon Kransen	curator, dealer, represents international contemporary jewelry in the USA, director of Charon Kransen Arts
Dinie Besems	designer

> jury's report 2007
> photos award winners
> nominees and award winners
> designs

> 2006
> SIERAAD Art Fair