Shiny!

Back in the 70's when I was in high school, I had a very good-paying part time job - checker at the Jewel grocery store. I loved that job. It was a chance to get proficient at the cash register and challenge myself to beat my 'best time' in ringing up orders. It was always busy which made the time fly by. It was a chance to talk with customers... many of whom I knew. We had to wear uniforms but I was able to accessorize with extras from the Salvation Army store - beaded shrug sweaters, funky socks, whatever I could find to be artsy and unique. I wore jewelry. Always.

The best part of working was I had no obligations for the money I made. I got to save it and spend it as I pleased. I loved finding jewelry that caught my eye. Back in the 70's it seemed difficult to find highly-polished sterling silver pieces that had reflective edges and planes. It was my goal to find these pieces. I remember finding Italian chains and baubles that were shiny - a true 'find'. Around that time, Native American jewelry came into favor with the 'liquid silver' chains. Those chains were amazing to me. Those were the days when I thought of shiny silver as a beautiful accent in the hot summer sun, worn with blue denim and white linen shirts.

Times have changed and tastes have changed. I still love shiny sterling silver, but mostly love it when it's creases and recesses are patinaed with age. Jewelry that has been worn and worn and passed from one person to another...with it's dings and shine from life's buffing.

As I move into new work, I will make decisions to 'patina or not patina', but first my head will need to get out of my '70's.