Gems of the Archive
Hannah Kwon & Leela Aravind
Personally, I think that jewelry is one of the most beautiful ways to express art on the human body. Each ring, necklace, bracelet, and more hold meaning personal to us, a story only we can tell. The thought that many of us wear jewelry that has been passed down through generations, watching history unfold as timeless memories etch into gem and stone, is a powerful reminder of who we are today. In this way, jewelry is more than just an adornment; it has become a living archive of love, identity, and legacy.
-Hannah Kwon
Why Jewelry?
I personally wear jewelry every day; I switch each piece out to match what I’m wearing or feeling, and I don’t feel complete without it. If I don’t have time, I grab some pieces from my armoire and put them on in the car. Jewelry is a way to feel good about and indulge in yourself. I thought picking jewelry was very fitting, considering my large collection, as well as our interest in the accessories that people adorn, and the reasons behind it. Jewelry is creative, curated, and expressive, with so many types and styles to fit whatever you’re going for. Anyone can wear it, for any purpose, and I think jewelry serves as a unifying symbol for everyone.
-Leela Aravind
Do you wear a lot of jewelry or minimal jewelry?
“I have a large collection of jewelry and always make sure to pick out one of each type of jewelry every day (rings, earrings, etc.) but I can wear both a lot of jewelry or less depending on what I’m wearing that day.”
-Leela Aravind
“I don't wear a lot of jewelry at once but I have a lot of different types of jewelry because I think it's a way for me to express my creativity and who I am.”
— Ella Feingold
Do you find yourself collect jewelry and what do you typically reach for?
“Yes, I collect jewelry wherever I can, and I usually look for whatever I think I'm missing already in my collection, like either a simpler pair of earrings or a chunkier necklace. I also always look for gold jewelry but only the type that isn’t too flashy or yellow.”
-Netra Mishra
“I do collect jewelry and I look for gold stuff but I’m recently trying to branch out. I usually look for shiny stuff and stuff with gems and jewels and stuff with nice designs. I look for bracelets and rings the most because I usually only wear one necklace.”
-Jaynen Moreau
“I don’t really collect jewelry but if I see something that would look cute on me, then I get it, but most of my jewelry is because it has a special meaning to me. I like beaded and string bracelets, and mostly silver jewelry.”
-Ashley Park
If you wear a piece every day, what emotional value does it hold for you?
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