Photography by Hatti Lim; illustrations by Alice Planas
The discovery of the photovoltaic effect (converting light energy to electricity at the atomic level) dates back to 1839, but for much of its history, solar energy as a readily available resource remained an elusive quest. In the 1950s, when developments in new materials (silicon) achieved major gains in efficiency, solar energy transitioned from a curious novelty to a promising possibility. These days, solar cells are developing rapidly, becoming lighter, smaller, clearer, and more flexible.
For a micro-scale project like jewelry, solar energy seems to be the perfect fit. Since these little gems require extended exposure to light in order to drive a momentary glow, we began to wonder — what’s more precious than energy? In this project we invite crafters to discover solar energy as a material for jewelry.
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