Shorecrest’s new dress code has led to a noticeable upsurge in the number of accessories worn around the school. When schools restrict students’ daily fashion choices, students must find new ways to step out of the confines of formalized attire and express their creativity. One popular option is jewelry: accessories that have a deeper meaning than simply looking pretty. From chunky statement rings to jaw-dropping necklace stacks, students use their jewelry as a trendy way to spice up their outfits. “It makes me feel more put together,” said sophomore Sophia Freedman. “[Jewelry] also just makes me happy.”
The shift towards jewelry as a form of self-expression is not just a fashion choice. The stories behind these ostensibly simple pieces of metal are a great way for students to strike up a conversation and create lasting bonds.
Damani’s necklace holds a string of colored beads with three pearls meeting in the middle. This composition also has a special meaning. “I love pearls, and having someone show me that they remembered that means the world. That’s why I like it so much,” Damani said.
Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations, a gift from someone meaningful, or a souvenir from a memorable vacation, each item carries a unique tale, allowing students to share snippets of their lives.
Junior Kate Carlan has experienced the world, and her jewelry holds the memories of her travels. Carlan wears over ten items of jewelry every day, ranging from rings to piercings, each with a different story.
Carlan has a bracelet from Boca Grande, a place she and her family visit during Thanksgiving, a necklace from Austria, and another necklace matching with her sister and mother.
As students begin to exchange stories about their jewelry–where they got it, what it means to them, or the memories that a piece holds–they begin to build bridges with others that can last throughout their entire lives. Each piece of jewelry has a story specific waiting to be told.