Look Book

for our goals and that mentality has translated into all aspects of life including buying ourselves gifts. As my generation begins to make their mark on the world we may be acknowledged as Tiktokers and phone addicts, but also activists fi ghting for positive changes. We have access to media, which provides us the opportunity to gain knowledge, become more worldly, and learn about experiences different from our own. Growing up with technology at our fi ngertips makes us different from other generations, for we are more connected and isolated at the same. Another aspect of what makes us unique from prior genera- tions is our universal concern for the environment. Young people across the nation are buying vintage and second hand, and making sure the products they are purchasing are ethically sourced and made. Not only do we want to reduce our carbon footprint, but we also have a desire to be original and authentic, because our access to media makes it hard to fi nd unique items that haven't already been seen. In order to engage my genera- tion, jewelry brands and retailers should consider sustainability, transparency, and originality to be of utmost importance. For example I have started to make my own jewelry which is trending among many young entrepreneurs that have started to sell handmade jewelry online. Although my jewelry is just for myself, I love to work with wire and beads to create my own pieces that always receive compliments for their originality. When fi rst prompted to write an article about what jewelry means to my generation, I was stumped because I had never given much thought to it. After thinking, I was shocked by all the remarkable moments created around my personal jewelry experience. The most recent piece of jewelry I received was probably the most special yet. I have a strong connection with a family friend of mine. She has been a mentor to me for many years and I greatly cherish her presence in my life. Her mother passed away many years ago, and she was extremely close to her. Right before I left for college she gave me one of her mother's necklaces, a gold moon charm. I was so touched by the gesture that she would give me something that was so dear to her heart, it brought tears to my eyes. This piece of jewelry is fi lled with love, grief, trust, and admiration. Jewelry is unlike any other gift. It's a way for us to give our humanity to one another and share a slice of our hearts to physically wear. My generation is the future, but we are still living in the present, and crave acknowledgement of love and appreciation. As long as humans still love, jewelry will always have a place close to the heart. AVA ROGNLIEN AND HER MOTHER VANESSA AVA ROGNLIEN

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