Jewellery is often bought or commissioned to mark life’s happy milestones; a wedding, a birthday or an anniversary, but what about those moments that are not so happy, the difficult times in our lives which define who we are?
I’ve said it before, but I am an incredibly empathic person. (I’ve been known to cry at adverts! Do you remember the Yellow Pages one, J. R.Hartley, or am I just giving away my age…?) I have always loved to help people and often a design consultation ends up being more of a counselling session, as I listen to the stories that have led a person to our door. I find it hard to stay detached when someone lets me in to their most private moments, and always feel privileged that someone would trust me enough to share their stories.
You may not want to share your story and that’s fine, what is important is that you feel that the space we have created is safe enough for you to share if you want to.
So what is memorial jewellery? Usually it is jewellery that commemorates a person who has died, but it can stand for whatever you want it to; the end of a relationship, overcoming an illness, or the start of a new chapter in your life. Sometimes you just need something physical as a reminder. We have also been told by more than one person that the process of having something made or redesigned has a sort of healing effect. By encapsulating your thoughts and feelings in to a physical thing means that they no longer have to fill your head space as much.
But, what if you don’t know what you want to have made? Firstly, don’t worry, that is what we’re here for. The biggest step is starting the conversation, to see if you like the way we work and if you trust us to make this precious commission. It can be anything you want it to be; a ring made out of your Dad’s bracelet, earrings set with stones from your grandmother’s brooch, a pendant made to hold some ashes/a lock of hair, or even just a simple band ring. You know what it stands for and that’s all that matters. What is definite is that it will be unique to you, just like your experiences.
“You are unique, your jewellery should be too!”
If you would like to read more about having something made at Varoshe then you can read our blog posts ‘How can I have something bespoke made?’, ‘Why should I have something bespoke made?’ or ‘A Case Study: Rob & Valeries engagement ring’
Still unsure? Feel free to get in touch, we are only too happy to answer any questions you might have.
I hope to see you in West Malling soon.