What is the point of jewelry?

03 Apr.,2024

 

My dad likes to joke that all women have a disease called jewelry. (He also freely admits he has a disease called boating, but that’s another story.) I’d argue women have a jewelry REMEDY.

I think he believes anything that involves regularly collecting items and/or spending money is a disease - implying something negative. In all reality, I think these acts can be restorative (and I know my dad would agree in terms of boating). The proper term should be remedy. Jewelry is the antidote, not the disease. 

Jewelry and objects have the power to heal and connect.



Now, don’t get me wrong… first and foremost I believe we all have the ability to feel empowered and loveable and connected simply by being and breathing. By getting grounded within ourselves and recognizing how we are connected to all things through our essence and spirit is enough. No material object can replace inner peace, real love, and connection. But I do believe physical objects have the power to transplant us and remind us of that inner contentment, as well as loved ones and experiences. 

Jewelry is a physical reminder of people and experiences.

 

1.    Jewelry transports us to other memories.

Jewelry Gift Idea #1 = A custom piece that conjures memories of an experience you've had together or place you love.

A gift given reminds us of the giver. When we have a special piece of jewelry given to us by someone we love, every time we wear it, or even see it among our things, we think of that person. We are reminded of the moment we received the piece, what was said, how we felt - all the love and closeness between the two of us floods back.

Jewelry doesn’t replace the love of course, but it’s a strong physical reminder of that connection.

When we feel adored, we naturally want to reciprocate so everyone feels loved.

John asked me to make this amethyst pendant for his wife, Katia to celebrate the birth of their first child. To them, this necklace tells a story of love and connection. Read more about the inspiration and design process behind this piece here.

 

2.    Jewelry connects us to other people and conjures up love and support.

Jewelry Gift Idea #2 = Rings that will remind her of love (not just for weddings!)

Perhaps you have a class ring that symbolizes your connection to classmates and your alma mater?  

I didn’t get a class ring, but the women in my family all wear the same simple ring on our pinky finger. It’s a little love knot my mom has given us to remind us of our family connections and the love that will always be there no matter what. Every time I fiddle with my ring, I think of my mom, my sisters, my sis-in-laws, and nieces. It’s surprisingly profound that one little piece of gold can summon so much love and support many times each day.

When we feel supported, we are able to take risks to improve life (for us and others) and trust the world will provide.


Wedding rings are a prime example of how jewelry connects us to love and support. This set was made for Lisa and Mike. Inspired by the Protea plant in South Africa, they remind this couple of each other as well as their connection to origins through his birth country’s national flower.


3.    Jewelry makes us feel renewed and desirable.

Jewelry Gift Idea #3 = Pretty earrings just for fun

Sometimes we women just feel ugly. Or fat. Or unappealing in other ways. Or simply tired or bored with our look.

Jewelry (and shoes!) have the power to make us feel pretty again. When saying affirmations into the mirror isn’t working, feeling put together on the outside can often give us the little boost we need to feel better on the inside.

It’s a fake it till you make it mentality - a little something to give us a confidence lift can help us reconnect to our inner badass.

When we feel good and more confident we channel that out to everyone around us, making everyone’s day better.

Instead of letting a blah day make us feel frumpy or unattractive, adding the right bling can make us feel sexy and beautiful. After all, those earrings will always fit, even if we’re bloated!



Wren likes to layer several CG necklaces with jeans and a t-shirt to make doing boring tasks like paperwork more fun.

“CG jewelry always makes me feel good about myself. Fancy, even in a t-shirt.” ”

— Wren Crosleycone



4.    Jewelry rewards and empowers.

Jewelry Gift Idea #4 = A necklace that includes an element reminiscent of the wearers greatest achievement.

Trophies aren’t just little gold statues. Jewelry is given to recognize people’s achievements and remind them how powerful and strong they are in determination and tenacity.

Presidential and military rewards honor people with pins and medallions. Olympic medals tribute the finest athletes with a pendant around their necks. On a more accessible note, The Inspiring Women Projectrewards those doing good things for their families and communities with a silver necklace award.

Celebrating great accomplishments like graduations, job promotions, or other achieved goals with jewelry is a fantastic way to regularly remind us to feel pride in our abilities. Every time we wear that jewelry we know we can do whatever we set our minds to.   

When we feel strong and able, we can challenge ourselves to do more and better our community.



Commissioned by her parents to celebrate Abby’s graduation from college in 3.5 years - the smaller stones represent the first 3 years and the large stone represents the final half year, reminding her when she sets her mind to something and works hard, she can accomplish anything.



5.    Jewelry brings ancestors to life (in our hearts and minds).

Jewelry Gift Idea #5 = Remake an old heirloom into something new and wearable

Perhaps you’ve inherited your grandma’s pearls or great aunt’s wedding ring? Each time a piece of jewelry is passed from one generation to the next, it brings with it the stories and emotions connected to our ancestors.

Re-envisioning inherited jewelry into new treasures is a fantastic way to honor the past while giving it a modern look more relatable to your style. The necklace may look different, but it still contains grandma’s pearls so every time you wear it you’ll think of her.

Regardless if it’s redesigned or the original heirloom, the history contained in jewelry is a powerful reminder of where we come from and the people who’ve made us who we are.

When we feel connected to our past, we have an easier time facing the future.



Renee loved her aunt and the fact that she could be regularly reminded of her with her inherited jewelry. But since the pieces weren’t something she would wear, we re-envisioned them into something new (to better suit her earthy style) so she could pull the bits out of the back of the drawer and into the spotlight, facilitating cherished memories of her aunt on a regular basis.


6.     Jewelry heals and helps us advance intentions.  

Jewelry Gift Idea #6 = A piece that includes a gemstone packed with meaning that reflects the recipients current goals and dreams.

Many believe natural elements, including metal and gemstones, have healing properties. Gold is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and calming effects. Silver is used to promote strength and stamina and fight infection and disease.

I frequently get nosebleeds, always have. The only thing I’ve ever had stop one in an instant is a rhodonite gemstone held to the outside of my nose. Crazy but true. On an emotional level, gemstones have long been thought to have vast and intense power to help the wearer with a myriad of issues. Rose quartz is notoriously thought to open the heart to love and trust. Emeralds will help you be loyal, heart centered and make choices from a place of love and compassion. Rubies are thought to conjure passion, confidence, adventure, and courage.

Whatever the topic, there is likely a gemstone that will help facilitate the desired outcome. And even if you think the idea of rocks and metal having the power to heal is woo woo nonsense, having the reminder of your goal is sure to lead to progress.

The heart follows the intentions we set for ourselves so jewelry can be a great regular reminder of what we are striving for in life.   

When we feel healthy, we bring more goodness out to the world.


CG one of a kind gemstone necklaces


Jewelry tells a story.

Jewelry is not just another pretty frivolous thing.

Jewelry has power.

What’s the story behind your favorite jewelry? (Comment below!)

Get yourself a jewelry remedy today!

Inquire about having a special one of a kind custom piece or redesigned heirloom made here!

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5 Reasons Why Jewelry is Important to Modern-day Women

By Mark Rosenblat


Jewellery is often viewed as a fashion accessory for completing an outfit. For many, a look is not complete until the right accessories are added. A "classic" look, for instance, demands pearls and diamonds for completion.

Jewellery has played an important role in human life for thousands of years. We learn from history that ancient civilisations appreciated jewellery and it was used to highlight the natural beauty of its wearers. Different pieces were worn to symbolise different messages such as security, wisdom, elegance, and prosperity.

Many women like to wear jewellery as a symbol of femininity or to showcase social status. Jewellery can also make a woman feel confident and beautiful.

Here are five reasons jewellery is important to modern-day women:

1. It's an essential accessory for special occasions.

Jewellery is very valuable to women and it's importance in their lives today is not hard to understand given the fact that it has been worn by humans for centuries. It's popularity only increases as time progresses as new styles and designs enter the marketplace. Attending special occasions, such as weddings, graduations, award ceremonies, birthday parties, and anniversary dinners, without wearing jewellery is not an option for the majority of women. They would feel dull and under-dressed without some pieces of jewellery to adorn themselves.

2. It can be a good investment.

Finance expert, Alister Clare from Credit Capital says, “jewellery is not only used for decoration, but certain items can also serve as great investments and will hold their value indefinitely. A jewellery collection can be a great security fund. She adds, “buying jewellery investment pieces, especially the expensive ones, allows you to buy what you love, however you must ensure that you are buying from reputable sources.”

Diamonds have been sought-after for centuries and are always in high demand regardless of any fluctuating economies and happenings in society. The high demand for diamonds, as well as gold, ensures that jewellery holds its value and will always be easy to liquidate when needed.

Gold is a precious metal, and gold bracelets, rings, and necklaces can easily be melted down and turned into bullion bars and new pieces of jewellery. The value of gold remains relatively stable unlike that of cash, which fluctuates depending on economic factors. Jewellery with high gold content will always have a high value. For instance, the current global economic crisis is not having an impact on gold prices, which continues to increase.

3. It makes them feel good and gives them self-confidence.

Jewellery has an unquestionable ability to bring out the best in a woman's features and personality when the right piece is worn by the right individual to the right occasion. It is important for women as it can make them feel beautiful, stylish, special, and confident. It ultimately plays a big role in making a woman feel good about herself, which is why it's so valuable to many women.

4. It's often one of the most expensive and valuable gifts a woman gets from her husband.

There is a huge range of different pieces of jewellery a man can buy for a woman, and his choice depends on the occasion and the amount of money he wants to or can pay. Jewellery can range from $10 to hundreds of thousands of dollars in price. Items containing platinum and diamond are the most expensive, while silver jewellery is relatively affordable. White gold is the most popular choice at the moment.

5. It can have sentimental value.

Some pieces of jewellery that women own have a sentimental value much higher than their monetary value. For example, a five hundred dollar engagement ring can have infinitely greater intrinsic worth and be something to cherish forever. Moreover, its sentimental value can increase as it's handed down to future generations.

Feel confident and beautiful!

Be remembered!

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What is the point of jewelry?

5 Reasons Why Jewelry is Important to Modern-day Women