JEWELLERY WITH A SOUL
"Beauty Created from Wood: Thinking about Soul Jewellery"
I have always been interested in the profound nature of jewellery. Why have people been fascinated by these ornaments for thousands of years? Is jewellery just a superficial expression of aesthetics and social hierarchy, or does it have a deeper meaning at its core that goes beyond shiny stones and gleaming metals?
Jewellery has fascinated people for thousands of years with its extraordinary beauty. Classic jewellery, made from precious metals and stones, is most often synonymous with prestige, elegance and social status. Recently, however, handmade wooden jewellery has emerged as an alternative to this classic expression of personal aesthetics. Of course, wooden jewellery has been around for almost as long as mankind itself, but it is only recently that it has gained the currency and value that it undeniably possesses.
Classic jewellery made from precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum has long been a symbol of wealth, power and prestige. These materials are durable, wear resistant and lustrous, making them a popular choice for jewellery making. Stones such as diamonds, sapphires and emeralds add an extra dimension to jewellery with their dazzling beauty. However, classic jewellery made from these materials is constantly torn between their promise of eternity and the fact that they are ‘dead’ materials. Metals and stones, though wonderfully lustrous and durable, are lifeless materials. Their unchanging nature makes it clear that they do not grow or breathe, reminding us of our role in the world. In a world of human ingenuity, we strive to control the natural elements, to create sustainability and aesthetics from materials that are static and unchanging.
In contrast, wood jewellery is characterised by its ability to transmit warmth and natural life in its fibres. Wood is a material that evolves and changes over the years. Its colour, texture and scent change, making it unique and personal. But it is not only unique in an aesthetic sense, for wood has a deeper meaning.
Wood comes from trees, the living things of nature. Trees are not only the source of wood, but also the heart of the ecosystem that creates life on our planet. Trees provide us with oxygen, which is essential for maintaining the balance of our atmosphere and climate. This natural gift gives us clean air to breathe and helps to reduce the effects of climate change. Wood is therefore directly linked to the natural cycle of life and the role of trees in our environment.
When we wear wood jewellery, we become ambassadors for the trees that make our lives possible. Our choices and associations with this natural material become symbolic statements of our commitment to preserving nature and raising awareness of the importance of sustainable management of the planet. In this way, wood jewellery reminds us of deeper ecological and philosophical values and connects us to nature in a way that goes far beyond mere aesthetics.
Despite these differences between traditional metal jewellery and wood jewellery, each carries its own unique meaning and beauty. Classic jewellery expresses strength, durability and luxury, while wood jewellery emphasises the natural, organic and personal dimension. Our choice between these two types of jewellery is a reflection of our own values, philosophy and connection to nature.
In conclusion, jewellery is much more than just a piece of jewellery we wear on our bodies. It represents our history and our values. Classic jewellery made from precious metals and stones represents our desire for durability, power and prestige, while handcrafted wood jewellery emphasises our connection to nature.
