Traditionally, jewellery is a wearable celebration; each bespoke piece we wear not only says something about us but is typically a gift wrapped in the context of a typically romantic love.
However, those who are standing on their own two feet do not have to miss out on the joy and excitement that comes from choosing a design that reflects everything you stand for.
Over the past decade, there has been a huge increase in self-purchasing; according to the De Beers Diamond Report, 75 per cent of jewellery is bought for reasons outside of engagements and weddings.
People buying their own jewellery and making their own statement with it to love themselves unconditionally has led to some of the most fascinating jewellery projects yet seen, as they are free from the restrictions you see with engagement, wedding or familial signet rings.
It is a wonderful project and a beautiful act of self-love, but if you are interested in buying yourself a perfect bespoke jewellery piece, here are some top tips and inspirational ideas to get you started.
Why Buy Bespoke Jewellery For Yourself?
The short answer is that you deserve it, but the long answer can vary depending on who you are and what design you are after.
Buying jewellery is remarkably conventional and traditional, even given the over half-century since Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the incredible yellow diamond and the immortal “I don’t want to put you in a cage” line.
There has historically been an implication that jewellery is not something you buy for yourself, but innately purchase for someone else. Whilst jewellery obviously makes for a wonderful gift, that does not mean you cannot treat yourself with a beautiful piece that is particularly resonant to you.
Much of this is based on a world and a culture that simply does not exist anymore; relationships and marriages are not one-sided and co-dependent, and most couples have independent disposable income.
If both the husband and wife can afford to buy jewellery pieces, why not?
In all seriousness, that reason alone is good enough to indulge, but here are some other big reasons why people self-purchase jewellery today.
As An Act Of Independence
There is a saying that the left hand says “we” and the right hand says “me”, and wearing elaborate and ornate rings on the right hand is a striking and validating statement of independence.
There are few better ways to show off your financial independence than a fine piece of bespoke jewellery, and choosing the right piece means choosing something that captures something about you independent of anyone else in your life.
Celebrating Personal Milestones
Many pieces of jewellery are bought to celebrate milestones anyway, whether someone buys for themselves or gifts to someone else.
Whether you are celebrating a personal achievement, a success at work or in your personal life, an act of self-care, or simply want a piece to wear to celebrate a milestone birthday, self-purchasing is often the best way to get what you want.
As Part Of Your Personal Style
Jewellery is storytelling, and many purchases of jewellery and rings are based around expressing yourself in a very particular way.
This is what shapes the most commonly sold jewellery; engagement and wedding rings are sold because they are part of the story of a couple’s union, whilst a signet ring often evokes the story of a family or traditional household.
Instead of focusing on stories where you are part of an ensemble, be the main character and design your pieces accordingly, styling them around your own personal tastes.
How Do You Choose The Right Self-Bought Bespoke Jewellery?
- Make meaning for yourself, rather than waiting for a gift that speaks to you
- Reward yourself and design jewellery around the symbols and moments which matter most
- Embrace self-expression, and choose something that has personal significance to you
- Be as bold or as subtle as you like
- Use jewellery as a reflection of who you are and a conversation starter for those who appreciate truly unique jewellery
Can Self-Bought Jewellery Act As Heirlooms?
Whilst heirloom jewellery traditionally is designed to reflect familial ties across generations, self-bought jewellery absolutely can become an heirloom if you plan on passing on your timeless personality and character to future generations.
The bridge from past, to present, to future does not always need to take the same shape, and it is common for heirloom jewellery, self-bought or otherwise, to be adjusted, amended and modified to meet the needs of a new generation.