I Love Jewelry / Collecting Jewelry Part 1

I’m not a hoarder, however one wouldn’t say I’m currently a minimalist either. 

Note that I said "currently." Somehow deep down, I imagine my future-self might be a minimalist. But right now, even though I know that a minimalist approach to life makes me feel spacious and calm, I'm most comfortable being organized, but surrounded by 'things.'  

Could I live more minimally right now? Absolutely. Am I in need of feeling more spaciousness and calm? Yes! Living minimally is an active challenge for me, even when getting rid of things or using things up does feel incredibly good.

I enjoy beautiful things. I'm a believer in the power of interacting with objects and the effect they can have on my day.

Which brings me to the inevitable topic of collecting. It’s a topic I will write about more because it sparks my curiosity and I find it to be utterly intriguing.

As I look around my surroundings, there are collections to be found. Jewelry (shown in photos here,) knit sweaters, sparkly materials, heart rocks and other natural objects…

According to wikipedia, collecting "includes seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining items that are of interest."
"Interests" is the word that stands out to me; we all have interests.

I realize that collecting is a way for me to discover, focus and engage with the world as I move through it.

A few words on the photos—

Wearing jewelry has been part of my life since I was a little girl. I'm someone who likes variety. Each day presents a different situation and what jewelry I wear is a response to that. I've made, bought, traded, bid on, found, worked for, and been gifted jewelry. 

This love that I've for jewelry has made it so that inevitably I have a ‘collection.’ And this collection holds a vast number of memories — learning moments, surprise, regret, love, sadness, joy, history, exploration…and that in a nutshell is the beauty of a collection: IT'S DEEPLY PERSONAL.

What can I say, "I love jewelry!"

From a jewelry collector to you: What do you collect? I’d love to hear. Write a comment or send me an email: raissa@raissabump.com