Ulrike Hamm / Jewelry

“Jewelry is part of our non-verbal communication, and parchment has been a medium of communication since time immemorial,” says Ulrike Hamm who is intrigued by this material’s particular properties: “It is unruly, mysterious, lively, precious, unpredictable ….” In short, it’s not off the shelf. While in leather production, tanning agents are used to preserve the fibers’ flexibility, precisely this is avoided in the manufacture of parchment. As a result of gradual and careful drying, parchment is lightweight and pliable but not elastic. And even after many years of use, it rarely tears or breaks. Inspired by its unique properties, Ulrike Hamm has set herself the goal of exploring the unexpected options it presents as a jewelry material.