Something old, something new, something both: How treasured heirlooms are being retooled for a new generation
It has been said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and in lockdown, jewellery has provided an unexpected link to our loved ones.
Forced to spend months apart from friends and family, people have craved tangible connections to their nearest and dearest, with one trend seeing family heirlooms turned into engagement rings.
The importance placed on special, sometimes sentimental belongings to keep us connected during the long separations of the pandemic is something Glasgow-based jeweller
Katie Lees has seen first-hand.
“Because of the tragic loss of so many lives this year, more people are using sentimental jewels to commemorate or create links with loved ones, and it’s such an honour that people would trust me with this extremely sensitive task,” said Katie, 34, who specialises in bespoke designs.
“One of the ways they are doing this is by incorporating their family’s older jewellery into new engagement or wedding rings.
“It’s like a little part of their loved ones that they will be able to look at every day for comfort and reassurance when they are unable to see them physically. For a lot of clients it’s re-using gold that’s been passed down, or a favourite colour or birthstone incorporated into the design. A favourite I created this year was incorporating heirloom diamonds from two sides of a couples’ family to signify two families coming together, and adding a new diamond, representing a new beginning.”
Like many other small-business owner, Katie has had to adapt to stay afloat during the pandemic, but lockdown has actually helped to inspire her creatively.
One of Katie’s creations, her Armour art ring inspired by the combative efforts of NHS heroes in the fight against Covid-19, is being showcased by Tom Foolery London designer jewellery boutique.
“Front-line workers have likened 2020 to a ‘war-like’ mentality, and while questioning the status of jewellery during this turbulent time, it has been a joy hearing the sentiment that is attached to jewellery from clients,” said Katie, a former Glasgow School of Art student.
“I wanted to design an armour for the modern warrior, something that signifies strength and resilience where physical connection is lacking. In a lot of front-line professions, for hygiene reasons, a simple piece of jewellery is all that’s been allowed to be worn.
“Because of this, front-line clients have mentioned how the ritual of looking at and putting their jewellery on, has meant so much, especially if they’ve been isolating because of their work.
“It’s kept a connection to the loved ones they are unable to see while they’re fighting Covid.”
Many couples have had to put their wedding plans on hold due to the pandemic, but Katie says she has noticed an increase in the number of people getting engaged.
“If anything, I think there are more couples pledging their love for each other,” she said.
“Lockdown has been a catalyst for people making big life decisions. I think because if you can survive lockdown together and navigate through it as a team no matter what, then it’s a good sign.”