A regular price tag is something we discard without a second thought immediately after purchase. But what if this disposable element of retail could be transformed into a work of art that one would want to wear and cherish? London-based jewelry artist Lucy Davis has taken this idea as the foundation for her Precious Price Tag Pins collection. Her task was paradoxical: to take the most "consumable" item in a store and recreate it using techniques typically applied to the creation of expensive jewelry. Each brooch, approximately 21.5 by 12 mm in size, looks like a familiar price tag but is crafted with jeweler's precision. The numbers and text are applied using laser engraving, mimicking printed font. This engraving is then covered with a layer of porcelain enamel, fired in a kiln, and cold enamel. The result is a glossy, almost glass-like depth unattainable for paper or vinyl. The base of the brooch is made of metal and equipped with a secure clasp, like a quality pin, not a sticker. The contrast between old and new methods is at the heart of the design. Laser engraving is fast and precise, entirely modern. Hand enameling is a slow, meticulous, age-old art. Davis combines them in one miniature object, creating a sense of harmonious coexistence between technology and craftsmanship. The visual effect is captivating. At first glance, the brooch truly resembles a price tag ready for the trash bin, even down to the imitation of a slightly curled corner. But once you hold it, feel its weight and the smooth, cool enamel, the illusion dissipates. You are holding a durable pin, capable of lasting for decades, not seconds. Since each brooch is processed by hand, no two items are absolutely identical. This gives each piece a unique character. Furthermore, a custom engraving option is available: you choose the "price" yourself. Some opt for significant dates or favorite numbers, others for absurd combinations for a laugh. Such personalization transforms the item from a finished product into a collaborative art object. Davis consciously preserved the proportions and conciseness of a real price tag, simply replacing the materials with durable ones. This is a challenging task: the object must remain recognizable, yet feel entirely new. Wearing such a "price tag" on clothing or a bag will inevitably attract attention and perhaps spark a conversation about design, materials, or the very idea of wearing a price tag. It's a small item, but it carries a profound design concept worthy of attention.
Gadgets
Price Tag Brooch: Trash Art That Will Outlast the Era
A regular price tag is something we discard without a second thought immediately after purchase.
Author: Пак Соён · Sep 43 min

Category: Gadgets
Sources and verification
- Source: Yanko Design
Original publication ↗
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