Thesis (MA (VA))--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates the manner in which the function of jewellery (in both the wearing and owning of it) is complementary to the value, meaning and definition of jewellery. The function of jewellery can be regarded as two-fold, consisting of both a physical and social function. The physical function of a jewellery piece entails the way in which it is worn and the manner in which the piece is utilised. The social function of jewellery is not only the status or identity that the jewellery represents, but also how jewellery can symbolise and stimulate relationships. An investigation of the physical function of jewellery is undertaken by deconstructing archetypical jewellery pieces. This illustrates what characteristics define an object as a jewellery piece and show how some archetypical jewellery pieces may appear to be seemingly universal, timeless and natural. The social function of jewellery is investigated by considering the relational aesthetics of jewellery and thus showing how jewellery can testify and give rise to relationships. This study also sheds light on the way in which contemporary jewellery can question value systems. The research includes the designing, making and discussing of contemporary jewellery. The primary research for the thesis is formed by a discussion of my art pieces and is supported by theoretical research. In the conclusion of this study it is clear that jewellery can assume multiple definitions and meanings. These definitions and meanings are not only determined by the designer and maker of the jewellery piece, but also by the wearer/ owner and the viewer as well as the context within which the jewellery piece is worn or displayed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In dié tesis word daar ondersoek ingestel oor hoe die funksie van juweliersware (in beide die dra en besit daarvan) die waarde, betekenis en definisie van juweliersware aanvul. Die funksie van juweliersware kan beskou word as tweevoudig en bestaan uit beide ’n fisiese- en ’n sosiale funksie. Die fisiese funksie van ʼn juweelstuk behels hoe dit gedra word en hoe die juweelstuk funksioneer. Die sosiale funksie van juweliersware word nie net beskou as die status of identiteit wat juweliersware voorstel nie, maar ook hoe juweliersware verhoudings simboliseer en stimuleer. ‘n Ondersoek na die fisiese funksie is uitgevoer deur argetipiese juweliersware te dekonstrueer. Só word daar gewys watter soort eienskappe ʼn voorwerp as ʼn juweelstuk definieer en hoe sekere argetipiese juwele as skynbaar universeel, tydloos en natuurlik voorkom. Die sosiale funksie van juweliersware is ondersoek deur te kyk na die estetiese verwantskappe van juweliersware, en só te wys hoe juweliersware kan getuig en aanleiding gee tot verhoudings. In die studie word daar ook uitgelig op watter wyse kontemporêre juweliersware waardesisteme kan bevraagteken. Die navorsing behels die ontwerp, maak en bespreking van kontemporêre juweliersware. Die bespreking van my kunswerke vorm die primêre navorsing van die tesis en word ondersteun deur teoretiese navorsing. Na afloop van die studie is dit duidelik dat juweliersware veelvoudige definisies en betekenisse kan aanneem. Dié betekenisse en definisies word nie net bepaal deur die ontwerper en maker nie, maar ook deur die draer/ eienaar en toeskouer asook die konteks waarin die juweelstuk gedra of vertoon word.