Note From the Publisher: Jewelery

The kabbalistic perspective is that all things are made of matter and form. What we call creation is actually the transformation of matter into a different form.

Man cannot create or destroy anything; we can only change what exists. So man’s creativity and genius is limited to the ways in which we transform things.

While matter is everlasting, its transformation into objects often does not stand the test of time. We ourselves, our societies, civilizations and cultures are transitory. When we are gone, what is left of us?

Ideas and values survive. We institutionalize education, practice religions and create history that preserve and protect identity into the future. Physical objects also reflect us. Art not only creatively communicates our passion and ideas; it captures them in objects. History attracts us. Remnants of the past are preserved.

Everything from the Great Wall of China to prehistoric cave drawings in the Kalahari Desert, to the Arch of Titus is important. They tell stories. Contemporary creativity is also important and saved. The works of Picasso, the songs of the Beatles, the jewelry of Cartier are all valuable and collected.

Jewelry is an expression of creativity with an extra dimension of value due to the integration of precious metals and gems with creative design. At its highest form jewelry is not just a method of artistic communication. It is permanently beautiful. It is personal. It is worn on our skin. It touches us physically and emotionally. It speaks to us and to those around us. It is an extension of who we are.

Fine quality vintage jewelry takes us even further. It connects the past with our present. It enables us to transcend contemporary creativity. We can select what was, not just what is. We can make the past come alive. We can choose jewelry that portrays timeless beauty and use it to personify our taste and our unique look.

Jewelry is much more than an object. It’s even more than an expression of an occasion or a feeling. Real jewelry is one of the highest forms of art.

This article is from the November-December 2023 issue of Rapaport Magazine. View other articles here.