Mia Luong

Pearlescence of the Future uses biomimetics to build and construct the idea of sustainable pearl and nacre.

Nacre is an outstanding organic-inorganic composite material, and it is the most studied material within the science community. However, what if there were no oysters or molluscs left for us to study? The initial idea originated from concentrating on raising the conservation’s importance of mollusks species in aquatic ecosystems, along with environmental challenges like global warming, overexploitation, the lack of worldwide pearl supply and the continuing increase in price.

My project is proposing the concept of a futuristic scenario, in which oysters are completely instinct and harvesting pearls will no longer be possible. Pearlescence of the Future can be accomplished by using bacterial cellulose and nanocellulose to design and reimagining the future of nacre and pearl. Additionally, adapting the traditional workspace, tools and techniques used to create pearl jewellery in the future.