Prestige, Value and Identity Bracelets 2001-2005

Set of 3 bracelets fabricated from recycled tin containers; brass detail; plastic core. Every bracelet is one-of-a-kind using rare tin material printed with gemstones. Bracelets fabricated from recycled tin cans; brass detail; plastic core.

This is the original photo. In a gallery exhibition (many years ago), I was told by the gallery owner to sell the bracelets individually. That was a big mistake.

Bracelets 'Prestige, Value and Identity" featured in this book Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects: Creative Projects, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books)

Affiliate link for book provided for your convenience.

Value Bracelet (left): Three lobed shaped with vintage Pepsi image and lady against turquoise, “Certified Quality”
Reverse side: “Famous Danish” cookies in blue and golds
Outside edge: jewels in star burst pattern against red violet
Inside wrist: vintage art nouveau girlinmuted orange, soft triangle, tall brass rivets on both sides, graduated sizes of rivets
6.2”L x 6.5”W x 2.38”D

Identity Bracelet: Japanese Medallion form, three lopes rounded with vintage “Coca Cola sold here” in reds and white
Reverse side: “Ritz crackers” and “Snackwells” floating crackers against blue
Outside edge: colorful faceted jewels vintage rare material against crème
Inside wrist: silver UPC segments with gold rivets, hex wrist, brass rivets on both outside edges, graduated sizes of rivets 5.75”L x 5.75”W x 1.38”D

ARTIST STATEMENT about Prestige, Value and Identity Bracelets
Throughout the ages and spanning many cultures, jewelry identifies prestige, value, and identity. Much of the jewelry also carries a message. In our society today, we can all read the meaning of a large diamond ring; it says, “I am special and worth so much.” A wedding ring says, “I am married.” Class rings show belonging to a particular college or university.

Similarly, a more familiar sense of identity is often cultivated by brand-name products that promise to enhance the consumer’s life by association with the product. Buying a premium brand of coffee, shampoo, or chocolate identifies the buyer as part of an elite group. On every such consumer package, a more mysterious encrypted sequence of lines and spaces identifies every food product, every item of clothing, and every appliance that we buy. However slightly regarded, bar codes pervade our consumer society.

This set of bracelets symbolizes a personal search for prestige, value, and identity in our material culture. Bar codes and brand name material from post-consumer tin containers recycle our unconscious consumption of advertising, marketing, and possession as identification. In a society so transitory and hyper-marketed one may wonder who we really are, for how much of our own identity is derived from what we consume and why we consume it.

'Prestige, Value and Identity" Bracelets were featured in this book Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects: Creative Projects, Simple Techniques (Lark Jewelry Books)

Affiliate link for book provided for your convenience.