|| BAS HUMAN || Jewellery memories Karolina Barnes
The art of accessorising isn’t only a fun way to express yourself, it can also mark special memories and moments in your life. In a new series BAS asks their friends about their favourite pieces of jewellery and their most treasured memories attached to them. We kick off the series with Editor at Large of Estila Magazine Karolina Barnes who we have had the pleasure to work with on many occassions.
1. What is your favourite piece of jewellery and why? Do you ike traditonal or contemporary?
My favourite jewellery is always timeless and quite simple in design. I like layering my jewellery especially necklaces and bracelets, so I have some key pieces which are quite classic but then add on more statement jewellery when I feel like my outfit needs something bolder. I like Cech glass, pearls and semi=precious stones. Those have a special meaning and make me feel good and confident in myself.
- Does this piece of jewellery have any significance in your life? Was it given to you as a gift? Is it an heirloom passed down? Or a piece you bought yourself to mark an occasion?
I wear a small gold necklace with a diamond stone set in white gold all the time. It was a gift from my husband shortly after we got married 18 years ago. I never take it off. Okay, only rarely I take it off. I also have a ring and necklace set which was passed on to me from my grandmother. Each time I wear her jewellery pieces, it reminds me of her. I feel safe and content wearing them.
- How do you store your jewellery?
I have a small jewellery box and a leather jewellery roll. I use both to store my best pieces, the rest I keep in their original boxes which I have in my wardrobe.
- What are your style tips for dressing up a smart work outfit? Or what are your daily style tips for accessorising ?
I like smart casual look so I usually wear jeans with t-shirt or white shirt and a jacket. I accessorise this base with bold, statement jewellery. My favourite are BAS bangles, I wear two at times and an oversized necklace. Also, BAS rings are great for instant outfit lift. I feel great wearing them and get many positive comments everywhere I go.
- How does your jewellery reflect your personal style and your lifestyle?
I’m always drawn to simple and elegant design. It’s only in recent years that I started to embrace my style. I never was influenced by trends and as a teen I was told that I’m too old-fashioned for my age. I didn’t know that that was just who I was. And so my jewellery reflects that. Having said, I prefer simple over minimalist and too contemporary. Those kind of pieces don’t speak to me as much. What attracts me most are more meaningful pieces. I grew up in an environment where angels and saints were looked up to and celebrated. My mother gave me an angel pendant for protection, which I like.
- What is the most memorable moment you have with a piece of jewellery?
I guess the most obvious one is my wedding ring. I got married while living in Germany and over there they don’t really do engagement rings. Instead we went to a jeweller to have a bespoke wedding ring made for us. Mine has has a little diamond, so theoretically I have two in one. I wear it everyday.
- How does accessorising with jewellery change your mood? How does it make you feel when wearing a piece of jewellery you really like?
I think accessorising plays a major role on my mood. Meaning of each piece or semi-precious stone adds an additional reinforcement of the way I want to feel during the day. I like wearing agates, they make me feel empowered, strong and protected.
- What jewellery pieces would you give as a present and why?
It depends on how is going to receive it. Generally speaking, I would give something with a personal meaning. If it’s a woman, I would give her BAS Aphrodite bangle. It’s timeless and goes well with anything, from casual to evening.
- What jewellery would you prefer to be given and why?
I don’t really have any special requirements. However, I am allergic to metal and can only wear gold or silver plated or real gold and silver. I struggle a lot with finding watches as most have stainless steal plates on the back. So maybe a gold watch could be one of my requests.
