Shine
Jewellery is the authentication of opulence. Humans have been concerned about appearance for far longer than the estimated 5000 years we’ve been wearing jewellery. Still, in capitalist culture, precious metals are the de facto symbol of your status.
A Timex and a Rolex serve entirely the same purpose, share design similarities, and if you remove the branding, most of us couldn’t tell the difference. Curious then, given their almost identical appearances, the two timepieces would almost certainly elicit opposite reactions from interested onlookers.
Modern jewellery’s affordability ensures almost all of us partake in one form or another. However, what we aspire to wear may not match your budget. Undoubtedly, hip hop’s core consumeristic values and unrivalled commercial success helped reignite the concept that there’s nothing too lurid to rock around your neck when it reflects your rank.
If taste is of no concern to you, you must find someone whose designs reflect your desires. Jacob’ The Jeweller’ would tell you he brought dreams to life, creating one-off wearable art installations. I’d be sceptical. He was also cashing in on a culture that taught excess overrides success, dress for the job you want and all that.
That’s the thing; those who’ve only known opulence would label nouveau riche rappers garish. Despite my fondness for Slick Rick’s outrageous attire, it’s hard to disagree. Although I’ve seen plenty of expensive items which, were it not for knowing their worth, I wouldn’t give them a second glance.
Nothing provokes opinion like jewellery. Wear too much, and your subconscious has already formed a character assassination of the individual in question, making rapid assumptions about their narcissistic tendencies. Meanwhile, even if you strive for subtlety, truthfully, why would you sport jewellery if you didn’t want to be seen wearing it?
Some of us are embarrassed. Jewellery is essentially telling onlookers who didn’t ask that you’re wealthy enough to wear a portion of your fortune. Or at least it used to be.
Speaking with silversmiths, it’s astonishing how little we understand about crafting jewellery, the expenses involved and the timescales of setting stones. I was prepared to pay £80 for a water-cast silver earring; my friend made me an identical stud for £15. Artisans know their craft and are often delighted to share their findings.
If you want to overcome jewellery’s archaic hierarchy, find someone independent. With no recognisable brand to hide behind, their pieces tend to be genuinely unique or innovative, and you’re far less likely to be overcharged. It’s accessible opulence.