Jewellery accessories - FILE PHOTOS
THIRTY FOUR-YEAR-old Sharon really likes her personal accessories, but these days she spends far less on the jewellery which accents her clothing than she did when she was in her mid-20s.
"Those days it was gold or nothing," she said, laughing at the memory of the days when she was seriously into her 'carats'.
Things have changed significantly since then, as now her jewellery tends to blend with her clothing rather than stick out all by themselves. And they cost much, much less.
"I am into craft jewellery now and really loving it," Sharon said. "You get some really interesting pieces, some very intriguing colours, some great match-ups and it is just fun," she said.
The switch is a measure of personal change, as she says that she has matured, becoming a mother as well as being less concerned with what things cost as opposed to the value they have. "I am much more open-minded now," she said.
Choosing the jewellery, which is made from wood, stones and metal, is an adventure in itself, which she says she enjoys. Then there is also the matter of supporting local craftsmen and women.
BETTER BUSINESS NOW
Which is what Dorna, who moves among the plazas on Constant Spring Road close to Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, selling her hand-made jewellery items, really appreciates. "We really selling more than say late 90s," Dorna said. "We don't know if is the gold price get to people, or people want to look more roots, but business really better than one time," she said.
And Dorna's prices seemed very reasonable; a wooden bracelet held together with stretchable cord costing $250, a leather necklace with a polished green stone going for $300 and a silver ring priced at $500 - and all the prices were negotiable.
With prices like these, Sharon is able to buy many different pieces - and she does. "Bway, I really go to town," she said, laughing. "Really, I buy too much, but the thing is you can but something to go with any outfit and there is always something different, because the pieces are so individual," she said.
But does she spend less than her 'golden' times? "Oh yes, definitely,' she said. "And I buy more of them for myself, too," she said, laughing.
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