Biojewellery started out by looking for couples who wanted to donate their bone cells. Their cells were seeded onto a bioactive scaffold. This material encouraged the cells to divide and grow rapidly, and the resulting tissue took on the form of the scaffold, which was a ring shape.

The couple’s cells were grown at Guy’s Hospital, and the final bone tissue was taken to a studio at the Royal College of Art to be made into a pair of rings. The bone was combined with traditional precious metals so that each has a ring made with the tissue of their partner.

Funding was awarded by the Engineering and Physical Science Council (EPSRC) as a part of their Partnership for Public Engagement initiative. The project lead to a live debate at the Dana Centre in January 2006, and an exhibition at Guy’s Hospital from Descember 2006. The exhibition included the rings, and extensive documentary photos of from the project.

The project is described here in seven stages, which went on to be the structure for the final exhibition (a pdf of the exhibition booklet can be downloaded here). Use the links on the left to find out more about the processes, technology and ethical debates surrounding Biojewellery.