The clothes we wear can say a lot about us. It might indicate our allegiance to a particular subculture or group; it might be a show of religious devotion; or it might simply be an outlet for self-expression.
Jewellery can be a particularly powerful means of doing all of these things. We can often find ourselves wearing the same piece of jewellery on successive days or weeks. It might be the stylistic glue that helps an entire wardrobe cohere. Whether you’re lounging beside a pool, trekking through a snowbound wilderness, or doing the weekly grocery shop, your jewellery can help you to feel like you.
But if our choice of jewellery is incredibly personal, what do those choices say about our personalities? Let’s look at a few variables.
Image by melancholiaphotography from Pixabay
The choice of gemstones
Gemstones, for one reason or another, are suffused with symbolism. You might simply pick the gemstone associated with your birth month – but only if the gemstone appeals to you. It’s worth thinking also about the connotations of each stone and colour. Sapphires, being blue, tend to be linked with colder, intellectual qualities like wisdom and self-restraint. Rubies, on the other hand, tend to evoke fierce passions: anger, zeal, and love. Diamond rings, being clear and straightforward, tend to work with every sort of personality!
Metal matters
Gemstones might be a visual highlight, but (most) jewellery is made (mostly) of metal. Historically, this meant gold and silver. But in recent times, alternatives like titanium and stainless steel have come to the fore. If you’re a practically-minded person, then you might seek a metal that reflects this. The physical properties of the metal might reflect your personality. Weight, ductility, strength and resilience can all make a difference.
One practical consideration is the effect that a given metal has on your body. If you’re allergic to, say, nickel, then it makes sense to choose an alternative – regardless of the symbolism.
The art of customization
If you’d like to take things to the next level, then you might alter a given piece in a specific way. Engravings can ensure that sentimentally significant names and dates are kept literally pressed against your skin throughout the day.
Certain items might also connect you to your family history. If a distant ancestor carried a specific ring with them while serving in the Napoleonic wars, then wearing that ring now might help to cement your bond with your family’s past.