Buying jewellery in a pandemic. My thoughts on jewellery as a ‘talisman’
Rays of Hope; the sun coming out from behind the clouds signifying new beginnings in light of challenging times
I appreciate that since the beginning of time human beings have worn jewellery as a totem. Apart from signifying status or rank this is really the basis of jewellery wearing. These days however, most of us realise that wearing a cross or a crystal isn’t really going to ward of any evil spirits ….or viruses! We wear it because faith or fashion dictates it. I guess there’s more to it than that.
Aquamarine is thought to be calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust and letting go
Pearls symbolise wisdom acquired through experience
Snakes were reviled for their ability shed their skin, meaning that they were seen as a symbol of regeneration and rebirth
I recently added a chat ‘widget’ to my website for customers to get an instant response when they couldn’t get me at the shop and its been more popular than I imagined! Since we went into universal lockdown just a few weeks ago now I’ve been getting lots more requests for jewellery that means something ‘more’ to my customers. A sign of the times? From the obvious and more spiritual cross symbols to more subtle and personal meaning like the anatomical heart to the sun coming out from behind the clouds. Less requests for ‘a pair of statement earrings to go with my dress for a summer wedding’, Customers are looking for something that gives them some comfort as well as style..
A heart represents the core of our being….
A cross as a commitment to faith and spiritual connection….or a fashion statement?
A heart pendant symbolises love & deep affection
From talking to customers every day I have come to realise how much emotional weight is carried in the jewellery we own. Even the high street fashion jewellery we bought as a ‘pick me up’ often has a story behind it. Particularly for handcrafted jewellery though, a lot of thought goes into a purchase because so much time has gone into the creation. More often than not its being bought as a gift and for something so personal, a lot of consideration has gone into the meaning.
Even for my massive collection of (mostly costume) jewellery, I can’t say I had thought twice about the meaning until I was forced to part with it recently and suddenly it was steeped in memories and emotions. I have realised that now, more than ever that these little tokens that we adorn ourselves in are tangible reminders of feelings and memories.
Even though we ‘know’ an evil eye necklace isn’t going to scare off coronavirus, its the meaning and the thought behind it that gives comfort. And let’s face it, if it has the added bonus of looking gorgeous layered with that (strength giving!) eagle necklace then I’m sold!
Eagles traditionally signify strength, courage….and freedom!
The Evil Eye is thought to offer the wearer protection
During ‘lockdown’ with nobody to dress up for, I’m still wearing jewellery. Not all of it, but some smaller, select pieces because they evoke memories and emotions which give me comfort. Maybe I’m not so cynical after all.
