Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – June 13, 2004
Silver Jewellery
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – June 13, 2004 – I am an addict. I need to be in a 12 Step Program. I should attend two or three meetings a week. I don’t need more new jewellery (ever) but I’m loathe to pass by my favourite haunts. I’ve tried, but inevitably I end up back at a familiar store gazing intently at the wares displayed before me.
Some days I actually walk away – others I’m not as successful. It’s a good thing that the only damage I’m doing is to my pocketbook. If there was a health component to this dependency, I’d be in big trouble.
Up until 1991 I wore a lot of gold jewellery. Then after a troublesome romantic break-up, I put away my gold and got out a couple of pieces of silver jewellery and started to wear them exclusively. One piece was a bracelet I’d owned for years. If I remember correctly I bought it during my university days from a flea market vendor.
I liked its simplicity, the cool feel of the bracelet on my arm and the tone of the silver against my skin. The other piece was a ring that I still put on from time to time. It’s a solid, wide band of heavy silver that I wear on the middle finger of my left hand. I feel as if I could deck a man twice my size when I have that ring on my finger (and this was before The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy).
Since my conversion to “woman of silver” – I’ve bought many exquisite pieces of silver jewellery. I seem to have a penchant for bracelets and always have at least three of them on my left wrist. My collection now ranges from plain silver cuff bracelets to exotic Israeli and Greek pieces with inlaid enamel and hammered silver links. This year – I’ve added some flavour to my collection with the purchase of a bracelet made from coloured crystal beads suspended on tiny silver s-hooks. It’s bright and cheerful and I feel light and summery with it on my wrist.
I have beautiful rings and earrings – especially lovely silver hoops and some pearl drops that are exquisite. Necklaces and pendants are my second passion. Here I have not stinted. Instead of taking vacations I buy silver jewellery. I’ve tried in vain to find a therapist who treats jewellery addicted-travel phobic (because the plane is going to crash) women but so far I haven’t been successful.
I trust that in due course I’ll work this out for myself. I have some gorgeous chains, beads and pendants, and a couple of Marcasites chokers that I don’t wear often, but when I do, they always elicit some wonderful compliments.
For years I’ve looked for a trademark piece of jewellery – one that I’d wear all the time. I’ve never been successful in this endeavour. Perhaps because I like my assortment of jewellery and I enjoy wearing different pieces. Although in recent years I always seem to have a Tiffany knock-off bracelet of my left arm and a Gucci knock off watch on my right wrist. These have become staples, and until something new and exciting comes along to replace them, they’ll undoubtedly be centre stage in my jewellery wardrobe.
I remember where I’ve purchased most of my pieces of silver and who I was with at the time. My comrade in arms and a silver sleuth of equal notoriety is Big. Together we contribute handsomely to the bottom line of some local shops. When I think about this penchant for silver, I know it’s an excessive hobby. However it’s one I adore, and since I’m a grown up, I get to use my financial resources as I chose.
I’m not a drug addict, a sex addict (although that might be fun – joking), an alcoholic or a food addict. A little exercise addiction might be a good thing for me. So as long as I enjoy my quest for exciting silver jewellery pieces, I’m going to continue this pursuit. If I ever think I’m endangering the good of mankind I promise to seek the help of a professional. Honest.
