All That Sparkles. The 5 Joys of Jewelry

Its no surprise people slow their pace as they pass a jewelry store.  It’s in our nature.  From local shopping malls and farmers markets, to the streets of India and Ireland, I’ve seen people stop mid-stride to admire the magical combination of metal and stone.  It’s a love that is both global and individual, and perfectly sized to fit.  There are few things that can play a role so vast and make itself at home on your finger at the same time.

Golden Agate Ring by Asia Raine

As a silversmith, I am enchanted by the creativity and diversity expressed through the art of jewelry making. It engages all of my senses.  

I smell the earth in the raw stone ready to be shaped, and gently handle a faceted gem.  I’ve felt the sting of the hammer, the cut of a saw, and the heat of soldered metal.  I’ve tasted a multitude of emotions as metal, stone, flame, water, pearl, and jewel have taught me their language.  The style and form of a finished product reveals the whisper of connection between self and elements that dazzles the eye.  And I’ve inhaled the joy of sharing my craft with others.

Truly, there is much to love about the creations we call jewelry, and I’d like to share five of my favorite joys.

1.     Connection 

I was one of those kids that ran around with rocks and feathers in her pockets.  It was portable nature, it fit in my hand, and it felt good.  As I learned the skills of a silver smith, I felt like I’d been given the passkey to another level of the natural world. It’s like Mother Nature invited me for a cup of tea to dispel a few mysteries and I listened.  Naturally, I wanted to share my discovery with others.  One connection led to another, and not only have I developed a relationship with rocks and metal, I’ve expanded my community.  The magnetism inherent in jewelry affects people, drawing them in and expanding their reach.  It’s like breathing. I've made new friends, have new contacts and am enriched by new stories. The ring on your finger can ignite a conversation that someone relates to, and suddenly you’re fast friends.  Jewelry engages connection in the micro and macro of humans and nature. It marks a place where new relationships can begin.

Etched Brass Riveted to Copper Cuff by Asia Raine

 2.     Symbolism

Without much effort, jewelry artfully segues connection and symbolism. People often ask about the meanings connected to the stones and gems. Or they’ll ask about the value of the metal.  For many reasons, both esoteric and practical, symbolism is inherently linked to jewelry.  We can understand and relate to ancient cultures through observing their use of jewelry and the symbolism associated with it.  Jewelry can be an indicator of marriage and commitment, of religious or group affiliations, or a marker of rank and status.  It offers a way to reveal a mystical side, or display a refinement that speaks without making a sound.  The jewelry you wear is a symbol that reflects your values, tastes, ideals and preferences.  It’s a demonstration of you.

3.     Expression

The world is viewed through millions of eyes translating beauty through each perception.  This is why jewelry is one of my favorite mediums of expression.  Give an artist the material and tools, and unique and wonderful forms arise.  From minimalistic to intricate or even extravagant, the techniques, materials and tools used to craft elements into a piece of jewelry, is alchemic.  But it doesn’t stop there.  How the jewelry is worn is truly the showcasing of its expression.  There is a fluid transition from symbolism to personal expression.  Of course how jewelry is worn, where it is worn and why, are all wrapped up in the elegant, glittering, shiny statements expressed on millions of bodies world wide. 

4.     Emotion

I consider this the elusive “Why” of jewelry love.  The emotions that originate from the creating, the purchase, the giving, and the wearing are powerful and motivating.  There is often a story behind each piece and an emotion elicited each time it is talked about.  The richness of jewelry extends far beyond the price tag.  Jewelry carries stories that last lifetimes. 

Labradorite & Rhyolite Pendants by Asia 

5.     Bling Factor 

The sparkle, the magic, the light, the way a diamond is cut and reflects its own beauty, (inclusions and all), this is the draw of the bling.  Its power is seductive. I believe it is because inwardly, we recognize our own reflection in the jewelry that draws us.  Humans shine.  We’re multi faceted and valuable.  We’re unique and we have deep meaning.  Each jewel, each watch, ring, pearl or band is made from the same stuff we are.  And jewelry is way through which we can we can hold our own brilliance in our hand.

So next time your step is altered by a shiny gem or stately timepiece, honor that moment and pause.  Enjoy the moment.  Hold it close and see the bling.  Wish and save and bring that symbol into your life.  

For what you’re seeing is yourself. 

Join the conversation.   What Sparkles for You?  What is your favorite thing about jewelry?

Share your comment....

Question #15: Where did your latest completion begin?

Catching the Future

Amid the springtime budding, blooming and sprouting, comes a wave of endings. It’s graduation season.  With or without the pomp and flare, the beginning of a phase of schooling for thousands of students has found completion, and for many, it offers hope and momentum.  I share this optimism.  It is familiar.  I too am completing a phase of my continued education. 

I recall applying for the Mediation Certification program at the University of Utah a year ago.  As I read the requirements for this two-semester course, I was suddenly grateful for my bachelor’s degree in Communications, which until now hadn’t had an "official" opportunity to matter much. I wrote a letter, sent for my transcripts, paid the fee and submitted the application packet with enthusiasm, receiving the acceptance notice within a couple of months. 

I started to think about what my life would look like from a new perspective.

I imagined being in school again, and the options this certificate could offer, and sensed a distinctive energy of anticipation gather within me.  I could “feel” a different future taking shape, and suddenly I had an outline for the coming year.  This marked a beginning, and now I have caught up with its end.  I have met the once distant future and embrace its completion, and ask, “What is next?”

This ceremony of end is a license to begin, and it encourages me to continue seeking and celebrating and creating.

Each beginning has an ending, so celebrate I must.  Each present moment holds the paradox of the end and the beginning at once.  And thus it is…. we create beginnings and catch endings, and meet ourselves in the round.

Where did your latest completion begin?

 Let's skip a few rocks, and create some ripples...

~Asia

Question #14: When have you let spontaneity lead the way?

The Unplanned Beauty of the Unplanned

ser·en·dip·i·ty

ˌserənˈdipədē/

noun

1.    the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

synonyms:

(happy) chance, (happy) accident, fluke;  luck, good luck, good fortune,fortuity, providence;  happy coincidence "the consequence of serendipity is sometimes a brilliant discovery"

I think surprises are pretty cool.  I like the raw, transparency it taps into.  Surprises are often disarming and have the potential to reveal things with accuracy and authenticity, and that can be very intimidating.  And yet, it’s a predictable part of life. 

We should expect to be surprised.

Perhaps a hope or idea created space for an unplanned experience to come into your life.  Maybe a friend or lover created an unexpected event.  Maybe you're the focus of 'The Fates' and everything lined up for you.    All without your active input. 

I’m intrigued by the unexpected events that show up for me, and how they open the door to spontaneity.  Whether welcome or not, these unforeseen moments offer me a chance to choose how I will respond.  

Admittedly, I haven’t always been graceful or even grateful when I’ve been surprised.  There are plenty of times I’ve wished for a rewind so I could feel more comfortable and poised with my response, and yet even my dissatisfaction is a gift.  It captures my attention and motivates me to evaluate, reframe and reform.  And I suppose it will always be that way.  My evolution guarantees it.  

I’ve found the more these unplanned events occur the better I receive.  

In my opinion, it’s courageous to greet the unplanned and treat it as a welcome friend.  And why not?  Why not release the skepticism and jadedness that comes from unfulfilled promises and controlled organization?  Why not run with the serendipity of the unplanned and smile at coincidence?  Why not let magic weigh in and tilt your life a bit?   

I think it’s beautiful.   

When have you let spontaneity lead the way?

 Let's skip a few rocks, and create some ripples...

~Asia

Question #13:What is your Go Big wish this very moment?

Go Big or Wonder Why You Didn’t

There is a lot of cliché that accompanies a 50^th year milestone, and for me this marker is a birthday.  To date, the comment I hear most often is that I don’t look “that” old.  And to be honest, it’s not a surprising remark.  When my mom turned 50, I was 25, and from my perspective, that half-century mark didn’t seem so bad or look old to me.  

Since then, I’ve lived a few more years, added color to my landscape and now that I’m here, I agree there needs to be some kind of note-worthy embellishment to decorate this mile marker of life. 

So here is the question I’ll pose… just for fun.  “What would be your ‘Go Big’ wish this very moment?”  

The fun part is the spontaneity of this question.  Don’t take time to think about it, just let the answer tumble out and surprise you. 

Taking cues from childhood imagination, magical things become probable.  A horse and all the tack might be waiting outside for me right now.  I could snap my fingers and be anywhere I wished.  I would see fairies, and have lime green shoes, or I’d have a porch swing where I could practice guitar…(maybe I should wish for a guitar). 

I realize there is possible risk in answering this question where a sense of “rightness” can sneak in and ruin the bounce of the impossible.  I’m sure my Go Big answer of the moment may not be all that impressive to someone else.  But the magic isn’t found in outside approval; it’s from the heart-expanding smile that comes when you allow yourself to think your wish is really going to happen.  That smile is a great way to decorate any moment.

So I took a breath and allowed magic to flow freely, and the spontaneous wish that made me smile, was a private house concert with John Mayer, for family, friends and myself.   

Yeah, that would be a cool 50 year mile marker for me. 

What is your Go Big wish this very moment?

 Let's skip a few rocks, and create some ripples...

~Asia