Collections are stockpiles of that which we choose to represent our identities through a profusion of small parts. Your grandma’s diamond engagement ring, vintage YSL clip-on earrings, a necklace from a past boyfriend…these are the items that have the potential to tell a story and define a life.
In the new book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box, former Secretary of State, Madeleleine Albright, when speaking about her roughly three-hundred broaches said, “When I was in a good mood, I wore flowers and butterflies and suns…and when we were about to do something nasty, I had bugs and bees and things like that.”
The idea of collecting has been circulating in my head recently as I try, sometimes in vain, to begin what I believe will be the foundations for what I hope to be a lifetime full of jewelry. While many cling to their shoes, handbags, stamps, or miniature porcelain characters with the tenacity of tiger sharks, I believe that the sanctity of a woman’s jewelry collection may be nearest and dearest to her heart. Just as with familiar smells, foods, and places, it is easy to identify loved ones and friends by the pieces of jewelry you associate them with. There is a distinct feeling of connectedness when you possess a piece of jewelry that once belonged to or was gifted by someone you miss. It feels as if you may even possess a small piece of them. It is too easy to remember a great year because it is forever bookmarked in your mind by that bracelet you wore every day in 1996. So, I am making this first post an homage to both collections in general, but particularly, the jewelry collection. Whether you’re buying, inheriting, finding, or receiving the goods, it only takes one piece to start your life-long love affair.
Looks like I might be on the lookout for a pin.
Best, Lauren (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
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