Is Jewelry Art or Adornment? What do YOU think?

Josanne Mark Bespoke ocean inspired Mother of pearl cocktail ring — Bespoke Ocean-inspired Cocktail Ring

There's been an age-old debate that I've been mulling over lately, thanks to one of my bespoke jewelry clients who planted the seed of introspection in my thoughts: Can jewelry be considered art? It's a question as multifaceted as the gemstones we so meticulously set into our creations, and today, I'd like to delve into this discussion with all the reverence it deserves.

I think the place to start, is with answering the question.............What is art?

The Oxford dictionary defines art as "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power". If we ponder this definition, it appears to embody everything jewelry design signifies, especially when we unravel the layers of creativity, skill, beauty, and emotion intrinsic to my own approach to the craft.

So, my initial response is a resounding yes. Jewelry, in its purest, most soulful form, can indeed be art.

Josanne mark statement jewelry — Nature inspired statement jewelry.

However, as with most things in life, the answer is not so black and white. It carries an echo of that familiar refrain we often hear: "it depends".

Not all jewelry, I would argue, transcends the boundaries of adornment to cross into the realm of art. The differentiation is reliant on the intention behind the creation—the designer's "why".

Jewelry design, at its core, is a practice of storytelling, a transformation of abstract ideas into palpable, wearable symbols. It's a process steeped in the designer's inspiration, emotions, and experiences (or that of the client the designer is creating for).

When the intention is firmly anchored in such a profound "why"—perhaps a personal narrative, a political stance, an exploration of love or pain, or even the encapsulation of a cathartic event—the resulting piece, is far more than a mere accessory.

It transforms into a work of art, a visual representation of a story drawn from the tapestry of human experiences.

As a bespoke jewelry artist, my work is imbued with this ethos. Each custom design I create is a testament to a tangible reflection of a story yearning to be shared. The finished piece isn't just a decorative item; it's a conversation starter, a mirror image, in miniature, reflecting fragments of life and inviting interpretation from both wearer and observer.

That, my dear readers, is where the artistry truly lies in jewelry design. Only an artist's mind—infused with curiosity, empathy, and imagination—can approach a design from such a perspective. It's the designer's ability and willingness to transform profound dialogue into an inanimate object, to breathe life into metal and gemstones, bringing the realm of art into jewelry.

So, can jewelry be considered art? When viewed through this lens, the answer is a profound 'yes'.

On the other side of the spectrum, however, we need to recognize the existence of jewelry that does not, in essence, qualify as art. Indeed, much of the jewelry that glimmers beguilingly behind the polished glass enclosures of our favorite stores fails to intersect with artistic expression. These pieces, while gorgeous, are predominantly created with a purely commercial intent—to "sell the look" to as many customers as possible.

In such cases, the design often lacks a deeper "why". There may not be any significant human connection or emotional underpinning that shaped the piece. Here, we're dealing with a commercial product, not a work of art.

Such pieces do serve an important purpose, adding sparkle to our daily attire, symbolizing social bonds and elevating our style. These items have definitely earned their place at the helm of the market. But, we must draw a distinction between these and the pieces that truly represent the fusion of artistic sentiment with skilled craftsmanship. When we talk about jewelry as art, we refer to the latter - jewelry with a narrative, a soul, a purpose beyond mere adornment.

To the untrained eye, jewelry might merely shimmer and sparkle. But to us, the enlightened, every piece narrates a story, evokes an emotion, provokes a thought; and isn’t that what true art is meant to do?

Let’s continue to celebrate this art form, and let us all keep the conversation going! After all, every narrative brings us one step closer to understanding the undeniable artistry that exists within the world of jewelry.