How to choose meaningful jewellery you’ll love for a lifetime
Successfully choosing a piece of ‘forever jewellery’ is a dark art. When you connect strongly with a piece, you’ll get years of joy and wear from it. It’s a romantic idea but pretty tricky in practice — not everyone knows how to choose meaningful jewellery for themselves or others. So, I’d like to share my thoughts on intentional shopping, and how you can use the process to handpick special treasures you’ll love for a lifetime.
What is ‘intentional shopping’?
Intentional shopping, also known as ‘mindful shopping’ or ‘intentional consumerism’, is the practice of thinking long and hard about the things you buy. It's a minimalist approach to shopping that (among other things) takes use, budget, and design into consideration. Intentional shopping is better for your bank balance and the environment and gives you more wear from the things you own.
Jewellery is an awesome place to start your intentional shopping journey. After all, it’s precious in more ways than one — wearing a reworked family heirloom, a memorial treasure, or a piece that’s authentically ‘you’ feels super special. Mindfully buying jewellery can lead to a lifetime of love and wear when you know how.
Things to consider when choosing a piece of slow jewellery
Your current jewellery collection
The contents of your jewellery box can tell you a lot about your taste. So, before you start shopping, take each of your treasures out and consider which ones you reach for most often and why. Which pieces linger unworn at the bottom of the box? Are there obvious style trends, and if so, are there gaps you could fill?
Your clothes and style
It’s well worth having a good long think about your clothes in relation to the jewels on your wishlist. If you’re hoping to purchase something you can enjoy every day, it might be helpful to consider how it’ll play with your clothing and other jewellery faves — will that necklace you’ve been eyeing layer nicely? Is it long enough to sit on the collar of your go-to band shirt? If you’re in the market for a statement piece, what will you wear it with? If you can pull together a few looks in your mind, you’re on the right track.
Symbolism
Did you know you can make a statement or channel a specific meaning with symbolism in your jewellery? It’s a centuries-old practice and can make each item feel more meaningful. For example, Memento Mori jewellery is overflowing with rich symbolism, so if you want a piece that holds real meaning, it might be worth delving into some light research before you start window shopping.
Who you're buying from
Mindful shopping isn’t just about what you buy, but who you buy from. For example, if you invest in a piece of unique handmade jewellery from an artisan like me, you’re helping to support a small business and keep an ancient craft alive.
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of your slow jewellery purchase, you might like to research the sustainability creds of the brands you’ve been browsing. How do they source their precious metals, is their packaging biodegradable, and what’s their carbon footprint like? Sustainability pages (like mine here) can help you make an informed choice.
Consider commissioning bespoke jewellery
Are you in the market for something super meaningful? Might be a better shout to go bespoke. Here are a few instances when it’s well worth reaching out to an artisanal jeweller for a bespoke commission…
Wedding jewellery
Do you delight in all things macabre? You may find that ‘off the rack’ rings and adornments just don’t satisfy your dark desires. Wedding day jewellery is immortalised in photography and worn for life, after all. It’s gotta be good!
Commission a custom wedding band (or go for one of my Manere handmade gothic wedding bands), design your own gothic engagement ring, or opt for statement adornments for the big day itself. You could even order special pieces to give as gifts to loved ones taking part in the proceedings.
Mourning Jewellery
Nothing ever really eases the pain of loss, but you can hold the memory of a departed loved one close with a specially commissioned jewel. Memorial jewellery has been around since the 1600s but gained massive popularity in the Victorian era and is still used today.
When you commission bespoke memorial jewellery, you can honour your loved one in a way that feels special to you and authentic to your relationship. In the past, I’ve incorporated engravings, inherited gemstones, and significant symbols into bespoke jewellery, and it really takes the meaning to a whole other level.
Satisfy your unmet desires
If your artistic vision isn’t a match for the fast jewellery market, you might find it easier to commission a bespoke piece. It’s what I did! SLAB Jewellery exists because I couldn’t find the kind of skull ring I wanted — something delicate and wearable with a true Memento Mori style. So, I made my own, and I still wear it to this day. Basically, I know what it’s like when you just can’t find what you’re looking for! You can read about one of my bespoke commissions here.
Now that you know how to choose your perfect treasure, browse my handmade gothic jewellery now or commission a bespoke piece to suit your heart’s desire.