Tying the Knot in Jamaica: The Golden Effect

A piece of jewellery

...an artistic expression

...a token, a gift

...a message

...fashion accessory

...an ornament

...an economic investment (wealth storage)

...currency

...a symbol of status

...an indicator of societal affiliation

...a marker of personal status

Jewellery sometimes finds itself being a feature of an event, such as a crowning ceremony, a medal ceremony and, more frequently, a wedding. In many cultures, rings are exchanged by the couple as a part of the ceremony; while some couples, seeking an alternative to the typical, might exchange other items of jewellery such as cuffs, bangles, bracelets, pins, nose rings, necklaces, pendants, lockets and so on. For many, this is a marker of their personal status, and one of the more treasured and sentimental items of jewellery they own.

The wedding ring or the alternative is often not the only item of jewellery worn by the marrying couple, and the couple are usually not the only persons in attendance who are adorned in jewellery. Brides, grooms, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers and guests usually dress up for weddings and will at times go to great lengths to ensure they look great. Brides and grooms might source new items of jewellery that complement their rings, outfits or colour theme. Likewise, other members of the bridal party might need to get matching pieces or pieces that meet the requirements of their dress code. Guests may want new pieces of jewellery for various reasons. As such, jewellery shopping or finding a jeweller will be on the 'to do' list.

Power Mood Tags - PurpleJade

Carnelian and Brass Bracelet - PurpleJade

Peridot and Garnet Brass Bracelet - PurpleJade

Aventurine Bronze Earrings - PurpleJade

Silver Leaves - PurpleJade

Triangle Geometric Earrings - PurpleJade

Geometric Cutout Bracelets - PurpleJade

Copper Bangles - PurpleJade

PurpleJade is handmade and offers the service to create custom made pieces. PurpleJade is the artwork of Goldsmith Kemoy Morgan. The items of jewellery above are all PurpleJade pieces and range from JM$4,200 to JM$7,800 (Bank of Jamaica listed the exchange rate as US$1.00 = JM$106.62 as at January 9, 2014).

A bit of history on Kemoy Morgan

• In 2009, she graduated with a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. She had majored in Jewellery.
• She was awarded a scholarship to study Jewellery Techniques at Changsha Social Works College, China in 2010
• In 2011, she started her business PurpleJade

 

As an artist, Kemoy has chosen jewellery as the medium through which to present her artistic expressions. She stated that

"I see jewellery as miniature sculpture and I gather inspiration from architecture, nature, clothing and textile, history, quotes, a song. Sometimes, my pieces represent a mood or a point of view."

PurpleJade designs are made from gold (yellow, rose and white, 14k to 18k), silver, bronze, copper, brass, leather, canvas, precious stones and semi precious stones. The pieces are original designs by Kemoy and representative of her artistry. Much like a painting, a person may find that they connect to a piece and cannot escape the beauty they identify in the piece. Clients with their own vision may communicate with Kemoy on the design they have in mind for a custom made piece.

For gold wedding rings, the starting price is JM$68,000 (note: this price is subject to change without notice as the price of gold fluctuates daily) and if custom made, requires a creation period of 2 months (this includes time to source the gold). For other custom made jewellery, the period is shorter and varies based on the material that it is to be made of. Bridesmaid service is available, that is the creation of identical pieces of jewellery for a number of bridesmaid.

Sometimes, the jewellery you are looking for isn't available, it can't be found. Don't dismay, it may be made.

To contact Kemoy Morgan:
Email - purplejadeintl@gmail.com
Phone - 18764124185
Webpage - https://www.facebook.com/PurpleJadeIntl