Rhinestone Corkscrew research (remote day 26.10.20)

Similar Products- Corkscrews of differing types are abundantly available. The trend is now for mechanical or even electrical screws to avoid the occasional mis pull of a cork. Mechanical screws come in different types and with differing levels of decoration, although the focus is more on the function than the appearance. "heart-shaped corkscrew" was the closes product widely available and usually couple together with a wine 'stopper' as part of a wedding gift set.
Cost-The advertised prices are very low, mostly under £5.00. whole sale prices seem to be even lower
Made Where-Most comparable products seem to be made in the Far East
Promoted- The emphasis with this product seems to be on romance. That is to say that the product has a legitimate function and performs it with reasonably ok but it seems to also be a token of love. It may be more decorative than functional
Materials and Production-My product is fashioned from a metal and is almost certainly mass-produced and pressed into a mould. All similar products seem to have the same properties
History -Corkscrews have presumably existed since the need to remove corks has existed and that dates back to at least Roman times. National Geographic date them back to the late 18th century and in basic terms the appearance ( a screw attached to a pull) has not changed
Contemporary Social Impact- This item is a statement about the throwaway culture of contemporary society. It is of low value and was a Xmas cracker gift. It also seems to make a statement, expanded in the similar products about how love (and love's rituals) are entwined with consumption of wine. This tool also illustrates the entwining of alcohol consumption and celebration.
Me-The presence of this low value, gaudy item in my kitchen drawer says several things. It is one of four corkscrews all of which are infinitely more efficient. It also means that the kitchen drawer needs clearing out of unnecessary items more regularly but such a conclusion inevitably leads to the belief that this item should be discarded and that belief is a potent symbol of the throwaway age which we all now live in. It was meant as a symbol of love, stripped of practical use, but is more likely a symbol of waste and inefficiency. The fact that it is decorated in fake precious stones supports its artificiality. It is meant to look expensive but ends up looking cheap and pretentious.

SOURCES

heart shaped decorative corkscrew

diamante corkscrew

heart shaped corkscrew

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FidgetGear-Shaped-Corkscrew-Bottle-Stopper/dp/B07JZ6YSFY

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/New-Style-Heart-Shaped-Corkscrew-Wine_60691692496.html

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/food/the-plate/2015/07/14/tools-seven-twists-in-corkscrew-history/

Research

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