Ask Katerina: The Importance of Jewellery for Modern Women

You might be surprised by how frequently I’m asked about the role of jewellery in the lives of 21st-century women. Perhaps people want to know why something so expensive should be considered so vital. But, as we all know, it isn’t the cost of a piece that defines its value. There’s so much more to jewellery! From sentimental treasures to reminders of professional and personal success, the jewels in a woman’s collection tell the stories of her life.

This month, I’m celebrating a decade of KaterinaPerez.com by sharing my personal insight on different jewellery-related subjects. First, I want to turn my attention to the significance of jewellery for contemporary women. Thousands of years ago, jewels were so important that early peoples were buried with their treasures to symbolise who they were, where they came from and what status they held in society. But what about today? I hope you enjoy reading this Q&A that outlines my thoughts on modern jewellery culture.

Jewellery has always been a form of adornment laced with meaning. Do you think this is still true in modern society and more people who live now?

I think what jewellery means to people has evolved. Historically, it was mostly considered a status symbol or something of sentimental value. In some cases, it might have been an investment – a way of securing a woman’s future and protecting her with something of value. Nowadays, jewellery has evolved to be predominantly about self-expression. It completes a public-facing look and showcases our uniqueness and sense of style. Of course, it still holds meaning for both men and women, but it has broadened as a category to reveal far more about us.