Traditionally, jewelry and ornament have always been about a display of beauty. Our ancestors wore them to reinforce and empower their beauty, to show their wealth, and emphasize their power. Monarchs had jewel-adorned crowns and scepters, swords, and even spoons. Even today, there are thousands upon thousands of people for whom jewelry is a flashy show of wealth – stereotyped in the image of the newly-rich music artist, sports athlete, or performer.

For an increasing niche though, jewelry is no longer simply admired because of beauty or monetary value. Designer jewelry, like anything that we choose to wear, is a form of self-expression. It is wearable art. At its core, art has always been a form of communication – a message transcribed from the mind of the artist into physical form, to speak directly to the senses or emotions of the viewer. In selecting what jewelry we adorn ourselves with, we pitch our support and expression behind each one of these messages.

In a very real sense, we encapsulate thoughts within objects. We define how our thoughts, moods, and beliefs to the world by using things to adorn us. You have the flashy glam necklace and bracelets when you’re bright and cheerful and going out on the town. Maybe you have a wood pendant necklace, for those quiet, introspective days, sitting at home curled up by the fireplace with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate.

But the things we own don’t define who we are – we define the things we own. We impart personality and character to them. After all, without the individuals, a wedding ring would just be a hammered precious metal; your grandfather’s old watch would just be a collection of springs and dials.

I think we’ve moved beyond what’s simply visually appealing. We now use jewelry as communication – taking the voice of the designer, making it ours, and sharing it with the world.