Setting the tone, where
less is more and air fills space
while there is no stone
In the first year of the jeweller training, we learned to make bezels for stones. Four basic shapes with variations.
The first steps
I don't think I was the only one who started the training very eager to make jewellery straight away. One early insight was this: It's more difficult than it seems to coordinate brain, hands, and eyes. The brain gets it straight away, the eyes may need some practice, but the hands are slower to pick things up. And they are the ones who need to do the work, after all.
Much of the jeweller training was about precision. A 90-degree angle is 90 degrees, not more, not less. While measuring, we talked about a tenth of a millimetre. It took discipline to follow instructions, but we realised that skipping a step is never worth it in the long run. We couldn't believe how much time it took to polish until no single mark was to be seen. We had to find our way with the tools, figuring out how to hold tiny pieces steadily, without filing or sawing in our fingers. This is how jeweller training starts.
We all had to lower our expectations on making jewellery, and simply learn the basics first.
What is the point?
These eight pieces have been stored away for many years. They are memories from the jeweller training, pieces of learning. I always considered them to be unfinished jewellery, and that was fine.
Because they are basic shapes and beautiful in their own way, I want to use them. Because what is the point, really? Their point was for me to learn how different shapes of gemstones can fit into a piece of jewellery. But what if they are enough as they are? Now, many years later, their point may be to just hone those first steps I took and to bring back good memories.
I am thinking I can put them on a chain – what do you think?
Less is more
This brings me back to one of my credos: It does not have to be complicated to make jewellery. What is beautiful for you? What small objects carry a meaning for you? You can make jewellery by hanging a thing that you love on a chain or a leather cord. A ring that does not fit your finger can become a great pendant. If you don't want to wear a loved object as jewellery, find a place to hang it on the wall.
See how you can make use of shapes that you love, and objects that you treasure. I think that that is the point.