While you are perusing the pictures from the above link, consider their statement of being an exploration of tangible vs. intangible in relation to real vs. perceived value. Now, maybe that’s just a phrase they came up with to justify a fun little fashion experiment, but it does raise an interesting question if you take it seriously. What does our perception of value rest on? An item’s beauty? The chemicals and carbons that compose it? Perhaps its history? A family heirloom, even if it turns out to be nothing but costume jewelry, still might be precious because of the many hands it has passed down through.
And speaking of jewelry, I’ve never understood the need some people seem to have in doubling their body weight with metal and stones. For myself, the only jewelry I wear is a white gold wedding ring (and that’s only for just under three months now). Not that I begrudge anyone who chooses that way to express themselves, but…I dunno. Never had the urge. Want to have a contest to see who out there, reading this blog, wears the most metal and gems on a daily basis?
I also think its fun how much enchanted jewelry (rings, necklaces, broaches, and any other variant) and gems play a huge part in many fantasy stories. Even science fiction uses them as sources of alien energy, or crystal facets that store massive amounts of information or serve as communication devices. What is it with our focus on gems, crystals, and other shiny stuffs? Is it the ooh-pretty complex? The mythos of bling? Or, again, is it that perceived value and show of wealth (and thus power) that we associate with these things?
I see that smile.