Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

Four Fs of Jewelry

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Categories: Instruction and information; Jewelry

Word count/read time: 490 words; 2 minutes

Diamonds, which will turn to dust eventually, get their own classification system with their four Cs: cut, clarity, color, carats. A fifth C would be cunning or conning, a clever campaign to convince us of their not so rarity.

Jewelry without gemstones deserves its day, too, so I have defined four Fs.

Feel - Sellers rely on an emotional connection when a customer tries on a piece. It's the "Take the puppy home" ploy. Something outlandish probably won't make the cut. Subtle and demure may not be the best though it's easier to warm to an idea.

An unstated tactile element applies to certain pieces. Don't ignore its importance. Words will not describe it, only feel, but know how to describe it best. Collapses like liquid silk. Extra-heavyweight draping metal blanket. Metal hugger.

Function or fit - Function is absolute. It either works or not. Fit is subjective: how loose or long a chain is, whether earrings hang too low, does the bangle slip off easily, is the ring too wide. No matter how tame or wild, it shouldn't unduly interfere with daily activities.

People will wear what they wear. For some it is their wedding band only; others don't have enough fingers. Just know that supersized 5" hoop earrings will have caveats: catch something (OUCH!), strain piercings, bang against your face, get caught in hair. A bulky ring, massive or thick bracelet, or necklace that hangs "to the floor" is a matter of taste.

Fashion - Each person has their own sense of what looks good in general and what jives with their individual style. Most people buy jewelry for how it makes them feel but sometimes it's about impressing others.

They want their friends to ooh and aah, covet, and gush about it, the so-called statement piece. A mixture of inner euphoria (feel) and outward expression (fashion) made it a simple choice. (Maybe it was a paid appearance, so know the context.)

Fineness - How "pure" is the item? Purity refers to the manufacturing process and the finished piece, not the alloy. How precisely made? Sharp edges? Soldered or welded rings? Environmentally friendly, socially responsible? Free of conflict minerals? Handmade? Showroom-ready? This is where it becomes jewelry.

That's done. Other words were close. Fun, for instance. Novelty items are fun. Jewelry should also be sincere and worthy of respect. Financial is a huge factor so each person defines what is too costly for them. Forever? Yes, make it that good.

Since we're talking about F words then f*ck should be part of the discussion. I've said it at times, and other times a lot. To hear someone describing a piece of mine as such is, well, flattering.

Posted by M: February 27, 2025

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