How can you tar electronics and jewelry with the same brush?
Nick Paumgarten's May 18 New Yorker essay, "The Death of Kings" has fans, detractors and others who have given it a mixed review, but by now many have read it.
I've been mulling over the notion of three categories of spending outlined in part of the piece, (Mandatory, Discretionary, Frivolous); "frivolous" includes electronics, jewelry, and art works.
The budget for "Frivolous" items pretty much goes out the window with financial wipeout. When every penny goes to keeping a family afloat, the last thing to spend on is a bauble or hottest iToy.
Today I dropped into Winners (our Century 21) to check for discount yoga wear. Passing the jewelry counter, I saw an eight-strand necklace of luminous small keshi pearls, strung with chunks of peridot, amethyst, topaz and citrine. I liked its design; the stones were bright and well-distributed. I tried it on. It was one of those "almost, but not quite" pieces. Part of me thought, "Only $75, it's close enough."
But it's not a bargain if it doesn't delight. I was sorry it just missed.
Styles change, but I'm hoping for at least 15 years of regular wear from a serious purchase. I can't put a dollar value on 'serious' but you know, you think about it, because you could do a lot of other things with the money. (Shown, Platinum and ruby art deco ring from Kitty Jewellery blog.)
For lower-ticket items like the Winners necklace, I look for that "Oh, I want to wear it tonight!" feeling, aesthetic pleasure, and the satisfaction of a good buy.
But that "frivolous" category is gnawing at me. I suppose the term is apt, but I love the way a necklace or pair of earrings renews the clothes you've had for awhile, and I'm not alone, am I?
I know women who have no interest in accessories; I don't get excited about a new set of power tools like my GF Bonnie. Everyone has her delights. But more often, I notice how a woman is nourished by the beauty and artistry in a piece, and that she feels better when she puts on her favourite ring or watch.
Chanel said, "There is not a woman alive who does not know how to wear jewelry." I think of my mother, pinning her enameled dragonfly brooch to her silk dress, lifting her head with confidence, and walking into a room to greet her guests.
Jewelry connects us to a deeply feminine aspect of adornment, to the sensuous celebration of every woman's beauty. Overdone, we look ostentatious and desperate. But that is rather hard to do, since piled-on is as prevalent as discreet these days.
Though jewelry is placed in the same "Frivolous" category as electronics, it is not the same thing. I don't care if I ever own an iPhone, but I do hope there is a new bracelet in my life before I leave, in pearls, for the sweet hereafter.
I've been mulling over the notion of three categories of spending outlined in part of the piece, (Mandatory, Discretionary, Frivolous); "frivolous" includes electronics, jewelry, and art works.
The budget for "Frivolous" items pretty much goes out the window with financial wipeout. When every penny goes to keeping a family afloat, the last thing to spend on is a bauble or hottest iToy.
Today I dropped into Winners (our Century 21) to check for discount yoga wear. Passing the jewelry counter, I saw an eight-strand necklace of luminous small keshi pearls, strung with chunks of peridot, amethyst, topaz and citrine. I liked its design; the stones were bright and well-distributed. I tried it on. It was one of those "almost, but not quite" pieces. Part of me thought, "Only $75, it's close enough." But it's not a bargain if it doesn't delight. I was sorry it just missed.
Styles change, but I'm hoping for at least 15 years of regular wear from a serious purchase. I can't put a dollar value on 'serious' but you know, you think about it, because you could do a lot of other things with the money. (Shown, Platinum and ruby art deco ring from Kitty Jewellery blog.)For lower-ticket items like the Winners necklace, I look for that "Oh, I want to wear it tonight!" feeling, aesthetic pleasure, and the satisfaction of a good buy.
But that "frivolous" category is gnawing at me. I suppose the term is apt, but I love the way a necklace or pair of earrings renews the clothes you've had for awhile, and I'm not alone, am I?
I know women who have no interest in accessories; I don't get excited about a new set of power tools like my GF Bonnie. Everyone has her delights. But more often, I notice how a woman is nourished by the beauty and artistry in a piece, and that she feels better when she puts on her favourite ring or watch.
Chanel said, "There is not a woman alive who does not know how to wear jewelry." I think of my mother, pinning her enameled dragonfly brooch to her silk dress, lifting her head with confidence, and walking into a room to greet her guests.
Jewelry connects us to a deeply feminine aspect of adornment, to the sensuous celebration of every woman's beauty. Overdone, we look ostentatious and desperate. But that is rather hard to do, since piled-on is as prevalent as discreet these days.
Though jewelry is placed in the same "Frivolous" category as electronics, it is not the same thing. I don't care if I ever own an iPhone, but I do hope there is a new bracelet in my life before I leave, in pearls, for the sweet hereafter.
Comments
...I would argue, deeply HUMAN. Men (especially in the higher social levels) used to wear pretty major jewelry as well. It's just in the past couple of centuries that the practice has become so feminized / polarized.
That said, those who feel that all of us have (or should have) the same priorities in every circumstance are simply wrong.
As for myself, I don't care for gold or dinky "fine jewelry" - give me fun, gutsy semiprecious and silver, even costume - bling on a budget can feed that impulse to adornment if done well.
Thanks for your carifying reminder.
I like the same kind of jewelry you do, too!
divercvhic: Went back a second time, just to be sure. And bought a pair of yoga pants.
I've often looked at their jewellery (mostly silver) and had so many not quites...
But what bothered me about that statement, even more than the jewellery, was the casual decision to make deep cuts in purchases of arté Such a patronage shortfall can be utterly disastrous for artists, who also face deep cuts in public funding.
I'm not remotely interested in electronics, but I do need a computer for my work, and alas they become obsolescent all too quickly.
So...as you say...you get to make your own categories.
As far as jewelry falling into the "Frivolous" category (or bags, or scarves, or an iPhone for that matter) I think beyond a few good pieces, one CAN hold off buying when times are tough (unlike bus fare to work or a new umbrella to replace the one that collapsed), while hoping for improved circumstances. That said, I haven't read the article, so I'm responding out of context.
I love choosing a necklace to suit the clothes I'm wearing each day, it adds the finishing touch to my outfit.
In addition, when the world goes to hell, jewelry and gemstones save lives.
If you have to flee a warzone, the gems sewn into the hem of your clothes can save your life.
But Jewelry needs to be purhased at wholesale prices close to the intrinsic value. Anyone who is paying triple key is overpaying.
At any rate jewelry is not frivolous.
I have read several accounts of how people are, in this economy, trying to sell jewelry. Am doubtful that, with the exception of fine and important pieces, they are enjoying rapid liquidity.
Perhaps you will to comment on how and where to buy investment quality at close to wholesale value.