Application of Palm Kernel Shells in Costume Jewellery

Abstract

This paper aims at increasing the material base of costume jewellery. In this regard, the palm kernel shells (PKS) as a material was compared to the material prescription of costume jewellery to ascertain it applicability. This led to a stratified random sampling of palm kernel shells of specific palm fruits from an oil processing agency. The first stratum was the Dura shells (from a parent variety) and the other, tenera shell (from a hybrid variety). Analysis of the samples revealed that, the strong and durable thick wall of the Durashell has more room for creativity and reliability. For this, it was chosen over the tenera and used for the study. The Dura shells were further randomly sampled. These include whole shells with the kernels in them and empty cracked shells. Subsequently, processing approaches such as sawing, cracking, filling, abrasion, drilling and finishing were adopted to produce integral units with reference to identified methods in costume jewellery production and design concepts. These units are under three categories: full kernel shell units, cracked kernel shell units and sawn kernel shell units. Based on the concept, they were organised solely and then, in integration with seven other costume jewellery materials (stones, pearls, glass, fabric, cord, plastic and metal). These led to eight complete versions of palm kernel shell costume jewelleries. The jewellery types considered include: necklets/necklaces, bracelets and pair of earrings. With reference to the descriptions of the consequential jewelleries, the study also led to eight special names for the respective jewelleries for purposes of easy identification, records and further research.