The jewellery choices we make signify style, culture and personality. St Andrews is brimming with self-expression – the way we choose to embellish our outfits reflects this.
Vintage rings are seen adorning madly typing fingers, from signet rings to cameo, and it doesn’t stop there. Period piece necklaces, earrings, watches and more, decorate students. Vintage jewellery is chosen for its one-of-a-kind quality, allowing the wearer to express individuality and uniqueness. It is also a capsule of a past era, perhaps the style of which the wearer resonates more with. Further, the piece could be a family heirloom, allowing an expression of lineage and culture.
Overall, vintage jewellery carries a symbolism that modern jewellery doesn’t, something that can only come with intentional, careful preservation through time.
This intentionality is similar to a tattoo – symbolic, individual, and enduring.
The desire for jewellery pieces that tell a story and hold emotional value is further seen in the increasing popularity of the Modern Heirloom. Pieces are created to have a timelessness to them, incorporating elements of the past, present and future.
Designer jewellery company Moksh has an affinity for creating pieces that would be considered modern heirlooms, and the pieces all display a nod to the company’s root in India. Of the following piece, founder of the company, Milan Chokshi, shares for Natural Diamonds: ‘This piece has investment, emotional and artistic value’ – all qualities that ensure endurance of the piece generationally. Celebrities are also seen in custom modern heirlooms, such as Hailey Bieber’s necklace that displays the initials of her son.
This attraction to pieces that hold symbolism explains the popularity of beaded jewellery. Beaded jewellery can be seen up and down the 2025 Spring/Summer runways. Saint Laurent, in particular, feature long, oversized layered necklaces throughout the show, all in muted, earth tones. Ralph Lauren similarly featured layered beaded necklaces, but these are thinner, and more brightly coloured.
Both shows pay homage to the past through this jewellery, either nodding to the tribal, ritualistic use of beads, or the religious significance. The bright blue is reminiscent of the jewellery of Ancient Egypt, when brightly coloured beads represented opulence and wealth. Beaded jewellery connotes culture and diversity, embracing global, historical influence. The association of beads with nature (as they were originally made from natural materials) also identify them with the bohemian, hippie style which is very popular in St Andrews.
The popularity of beaded jewellery around St Andrews reflects the range of cultures our students bring. For example, gold chains from Egyptian culture, nose pins and bangles from Indian culture, and signet rings and brooches from some European traditions, add individuality and depth to our students’ outfits, reflecting the desire to connect with their own heritage as well as embrace others.
Students seem to be looking for longevity in jewellery more than ever, pointing to an increased eco-consciousnesses (along with the popularity of second hand clothing and plant-based eating). An esteem for the past is reflected through jewellery choices, as well as desire to represent individuality through pieces that reflect lineage. It’s out with fast fashion jewellery and in with timeless pieces that tell a story.
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