Extremity in jewellery: Trends and applications

Social and cultural developments of the 20th century affected jewellery just as in the case of contemporary art movements. Within the period after the 2nd World War, revolutionary changes occur in modern jewellery of western societies. In conjunction with libertarian and protest attitude developed after the war, increase in social sensibility has influenced jewellery and gave rise to its revolution in 1960?s. The jewellery which has been wealth and status symbol started to be interrogated and with the notion of jewellery, its form and production materials undergone dramatic changes as well. Contemporary art of the 20th century, interdisciplinary works and contributions of visual artists and sculptures took an active part in development of jewellery. New jewellery started to be exhibited in galleries and museums and by appearing in international arena, spreaded to the world. Furthermore, the jewellery has changed its status by diverging from tradition, has been accepted as an art form and has become medium of expression for the jewellery artists.Contradictory approach of the 1960?s has affected the future of jewellery. By the development of individual expression in contemporary art and social community, experimental works beginning from the date led the ?extreme? emerge. Within this research, the development process of jewellery in the end of 20th century is examined and the extreme features of samples stated were evaluated and grouped. Accordingly, the extremity trend in jewellery is studied and presented in 3 groups which occur in its: form and size, production materials and application & usage which involves body modifications.