Neo-Gemstones: urban mining and the future of jewellery

Artist list

Sofie Boons

The exhibition NEO-Gemstones features the work of PhD researcher Sofie Boons alongside contributions from our students, who have been involved in the research process of developing new synthetic gemstone materials.

As part of Munich Schmuck Fair 2025, the Neo-Gemstones exhibition presents a fascinating combination of science, art and sustainable design. Together with Gabriele Space and IMAL, jewellery designer and researcher Sofie Boons is bringing her innovative research findings and the work of the participants in the "Bling It!" workshop to Munich.

Sofie Boons' research
As part of her doctoral thesis, Sofie Boons investigated the potential of laboratory-grown crystals for jewellery design. During her research stays in Idar-Oberstein, she explored the history and technical expertise of synthetic gemstone production and came across a significant waste problem. Her studies led to experiments with industrial crystal waste and the DIY growth of rubies.

Art meets science
The Neo-Gemstones exhibition shows works that have emerged from these experiments, including works by Boons herself as well as pieces by students and other young artists from Gabriele Space's network.

In addition to the exhibited jewellery, a series of lectures by Sofie Boons, Julia Wild, and Daniel Rytz will take place on 14 March, delving deeper into the topic of sustainable jewellery practices.


Opening: Tuesday, 11/ 03/ 2025, 17:00 - 21:00 h.

Location: Gabriele Space / IMAL Kontrapunkt GmbH, Dachauer Str. 54, 80335 Munich.
Opening hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 12 - 15/ 03/ 2025, 10:00 – 18:00 h.
Lectures: Saturday, 15/ 03/ 2025, 11:00 – 12:30 h.