It’s not often that an outfit isn’t made better with a piece of jewellery. It brings a little extra ‘je ne sais quoi’ into proceedings, taking your look from good to exceptional. Jewellery has been around for thousands of years and has evolved in endless ways thanks to talented craftspeople putting their own spin on classic designs.
Today, over 1,300 jewellery manufacturers exist in the UK, proving that there is no sign of our love for jewellery dying down anytime soon. Here’s why jewellery remains important to us today.
It’s self-expression
Jewellery can be used as an outlet for self-expression. Whatever look you gravitate towards, there will be jewellery out that to elevate it. You might opt for certain shapes and cuts or stick to a particular type of metal, such as gold or silver. For some, hoop earrings might be an outfit staple, while for others, this might be stacked silver necklaces.
Some are so loyal to their staple pieces that others associate them with that item – you might become affiliated with a particular necklace, or a watch might feature in your everyday look, for example. Either way, jewellery can give us a glimpse into different people’s tastes and preferences.
It’s valuable
Jewellery is symbolic in many ways. It can mark milestones in our lives, from weddings to birthdays, which means we form a real attachment to our favourite pieces. In many instances, some pieces of jewellery are worn every single day to remind us of these special moments. It can feel odd going a day without wearing certain items.
We often remember who gifted us certain pieces and vice versa, adding more value to our jewellery. As a result, many consider taking out jewellery insurance to protect their most precious pieces. Whether a piece holds monetary value or sentimental value (or both), it can give you peace of mind.
It complements an outfit
Sometimes, all you need is a statement piece of jewellery to zhuzh up an outfit. Whether you’re wearing a causal get-up with chunky hoop earrings or a formal dress with a statement cuff bracelet, jewellery is there to take your outfit up a notch.
And the best part? You can have fun with it! Mix and match necklaces, rings and bracelets to create combinations that work with your wardrobe. At fashion shows, jewellery is just as important as the clothes, with catwalks setting the bar for upcoming trends you can expect to see in both high-end and more affordable jewellery retailers. In most cases, jewellery can take your look from zero to 100, seemingly with no effort at all!
Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery?