Spoons, Interrupted

Above: Garnet floral spoon pendant $80. Horizontal necklace with amethyst $120.

Why spoons?
Many reasons…
First, think about a wealthy home in the late 1800s- early 1900s. You may recall scenes in books or movies where “the silver” was mentioned, either because a desperate servant ran off with it, or because the household fell on hard times and was selling it. Maybe there was a character note about a strict head maid or even the mistress of the home, who kept the silver locked up and jealously guarded her keys.

Lapis daffodil ring $120. Amethyst vine ring $120. Breathe ring $60.

This was a time when the rich literally ate from sculptures in precious metal: Quality tableware was a decorative status symbol as well as functional. Of course, it also required the work of the staff to keep it shining: Sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time, and exposure to food accelerated that process. I don’t use replicas, so sometimes they show their age and experience with minor scratches or small spots. This is why tableware is now made of stainless steel, but in the case of these historical pieces, I find their tiny imperfections charming.

In the mid 20th century, sterling spoons became popular as momentos of places and events. Souvenir spoons were collected and mounted on many a kitchen wall.

To me, sterling silver spoons represent the conspicuous consumption of an earlier age (remember that phrase, “born with a silver spoon in his mouth?”). From a modern perspective, I’m reclaiming these elitist symbols and recycling them into individual pieces of art that can find new life, and be worn and enjoyed by common people. And art they are… some are stunning! It’s my pleasure to join them with gems, to fire and twist them into wearable history.

With the rise of Spoon Theory, they take on an additional meaning. Use one to let people know you’re a Spoonie, or just to always have a spare with you.