Description

Dyspnea 2, necklace by Regina Krawets
Materials:
– assorted repurposed resin beads
– sterling silver

Year: 2025

Exhibited: Remade-Reloved 2025

Toxic Beauty
When asked what kind of materials I might like to work with for this year’s iteration of
Remade-Reloved, without much forethought, I replied “resin”. So that is what I got. A
whole lot of different types of resin.
Despite having worked with resin in previous years, I had never given much thought to the
material beyond its visual appeal. However, material should not only be an aesthetic
consideration, it also matters as much ethically and ecologically.
Resin’s allure is understandable. Unlike metalsmithing it affords a low-cost, low-tech entry
into the world of creative adornment. Yet, transparent or marbled, vibrant or pastel
coloured, its candy-coloured, glossy goodness hides toxic truths. Which I uncovered while
researching ways the material could be manipulated.
Most resins used in jewellery contain harmful compounds such as toluene, benzene, and
bisphenol A – all of which pose significant risks to human health. These substances are not
only carcinogenic; they are also endocrine disruptors, with long-term effects ranging from
hormonal imbalances to neurological damage and reproductive harm. Additionally,
inhaling fumes or the fine dust created when cutting or carving resin can result in
aggressive forms of cancer, particularly those affecting the respiratory system and blood.
The environmental impact is equally alarming. Resin production relies heavily on
petroleum, generating hazardous waste and contributing to microplastic pollution. Once
discarded, resin jewelry does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks into fragments that
persist in ecosystems, leaching toxins into soil and water.
Each brooch in this collection represents a different harmful chemical compound. The
necklaces represent the damage these substances can inflict. Through this work, I invite
viewers to reconsider the materials we celebrate and choose to wear. True adornment
should not come at the cost of human health. Beauty, after all, should not be toxic.