Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Threading Time: Fine Jewelry

By James Gilbert Pynn

The privilege of a fine piece of jewelry is resisting the effects of time. It has earned the right to be enjoyed and to be cherished. Passed between lovers, friends, and family members, these pieces of fine jewelry have, in essence, encoded our collective hopes, dreams, and deepest loves. Think of an engagement ring given to a future bride, who in turn passes it on to her daughter, who follows suit and passes it on to her daughter. From a humble stone, the ring has transcended mere worth and become an heirloom.

It is an ancestral process, a small token that confounds the ebb and flow of time, connecting us to our forefathers and mothers. Our early history is a history of adornment. Using natural artifacts, whether they were feathers, bones, or even polished stones. It is an odd development, but t is irrefutable that we love our accessories. Of course, this has to do with differentiation and thus the birth of class-ism or hierarchy.

Jewelry pieces are still somehow imbued with mystical or ceremonial qualities. Moreover, they are parceled out with specific qualities. Some stones or minerals are believed to soothe various ailments. For instance, it was believed that coral was capable of easing childbirth, so it became common for pregnant mothers to wear coral pieces of jewelry. For the Chinese, jade was believed to have protected children from major accidents and so all children were given jade rings or necklaces.

For as long as they've been around, pieces of fine jewelry have been enjoyed as obvious forms of portable wealth. The value of some pieces of fine jewelry is formidable. The value of the stone and the value of the metal could be vital for anyone interested in exchanging it for currency. Though it is a risky proposition to wear your valuable jewelry down to the local corner shop, the fact that you can always turn them into currency is a comfort to those who are concerned with making valuable investments.

When you have the time to appreciate that favorite piece of fine jewelry, keep in mind the effort that went into creating it. Then, keep in mind what that piece meant to the generations that brought it to you. The hopes of your grand mother, the fears of your mother, and now your own hopes and dreams. Who will you give it to and how will it pass on through time? - 15784

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