I am lucky enough to live in a European city where individual style is valued more highly than conventionality, and the small boutique-style shops far outnumber the chain stores; a pleasant change from the identical appearance of many high streets in the UK. Among those shops are many selling designer jewellery, with some highly talented individuals working in this field. Many agreeable afternoons can be spent strolling around the city, browsing in the shop windows and looking at their work. In addition to the shops, there are also regular craft markets where artisans sell their own work, including jewellery stalls; it seems that artistic endeavours and creativity are greatly encouraged here, a pleasure to see in this age of conformity.
Anyone looking for a unique piece here will certainly not lack a choice. True art must be unique; it can certainly be reproduced, but the imitation is never as good as the real thing, lacking the imagination that went into the creation of the original. Furthermore, the original then becomes overly familiar, perhaps even boring; happily, there is a lesser risk of this happening with jewellery than with visual art, which has a greater exposure in the media, and is easily reproduced in the form of posters and postcards. A jewellery designer is as much an artist as anyone working in painting, sculpture or filmmaking. In fact, since art requires talent, I would consider that someone who designs and produces a beautiful necklace is far more of an artist than Damien Hirst, and most contenders for the Turner Prize.
The problem with mass-produced items is that the manufacturing process does not allow for individuality, as the priority is to produce items at low cost and high speed. Art cannot be ´manufactured´ – instead it has to be created. Of course, this requires time and an inventive mind, which may be reflected in the price. Factory-produced jewellery, by contrast, can be manufactured cheaply in countries with cheaper costs and can consequently be sold at cheaper prices, even allowing for the profits of the manufacturer, wholesaler and store. One cannot expect to buy an original piece for the same price as these items.
For those who want to purchase something different, however, a designer piece offers the chance to reflect their own creativity and style. This brings me back to my earlier point about art being unique. Why look like everybody else? I deplore articles in fashion magazines that recommend a particular item of clothing or accessory as this season´s ´essential´, and tell readers where to purchase that item. The risks are that you will look like you are wearing the piece because you have been told that jewelled chokers are the must-have accessory for spring, and that many women at the party will be wearing something similar! Genuine style cannot be an imitation, but rather stems from selecting clothing and accessories that suit you as an individual, and reflect that individuality. Slavishly following guidelines laid down by writers who are scarcely impartial will not allow you to appear stylish.
By contrast, wearing a beautiful piece of jewellery that will never be available elsewhere is like displaying a portable artwork. It provides the perfect opportunity to display your acquisition which, unlike a conventional piece of art, can be seen by many rather than being confined to a particular location. In addition, it is a type of art that is available at relatively low cost. Of course, designer jewellery is available at high prices, but since it need not be outrageously expensive, is easily accessible. The majority of those designers will never become well-known names, but they are nevertheless creating something unique, inventive, and therefore artistic.
