Article by: Amy Kirkpatrick
Photographs by: Art HL2
Jewellery is one of humankind’s oldest art forms. It combines human technique with the beauty of earth’s raw materials. It not only exhibits extraordinary craftsmanship and speaks for the technological development of a civilization, but is also a window into a society’s interpersonal and religious customs.
Gold jewellery is a large part of Filipino culture. During the Spanish colonization, jewellery was an important symbol of wealth and power in the Philippines and early Filipinos developed sophisticated metallurgy and engraving techniques that lasted centuries. The Ayala Museum’s Gold Room is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in Philippines’ gold tradition or, perhaps, in creative ways to dress for prom.
What can jewellery teach us today? As someone who makes jewellery in her spare time, I find that jewellery gives us an opportunity to express our attitude, religious beliefs, or just pure artistic skill. Because of the detailed work required in jewellery making, a product can showcase extraordinary dedication, long-term vision, and inner tranquillity – virtues necessary for success in any area. Freshman Apek Sapkota agrees, saying that “jewellery builds up one’s patience”. Jewellery, which is generally not taught in Intro or Explore Art courses at ISM, is a perfect way to train high school art students for the IB program and for life. One junior, Ameena Imran, believes that jewellery units in earlier grades would have better prepared her for IB Art classes, which emphasize self-motivation and perseverance.
Jewellery can be seen as beautiful, as rebellious (think tongue piercings), or as pious and symbolic (rosaries and golden crosses). This is what makes jewellery so versatile and so human – there is something for everyone – and is also what makes us take it for granted. But, next time you glimpse at your gold watch or jangly earrings, take a moment to think about how it was made, or what kind of history might be behind that work of art.
