Headlines

Jeweler-Turned-Author Analyzes Our Jewelry Obsession

Published

8 years ago

January 4, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Human nature explains a lot, she says.

Professional jeweler and scientist Aja Raden spoke with The Boston Globe about her new book, “Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession and How Desire Shapes the World,” a narrative nonfiction that explores jewelry in the context of history and human psychology.

When asked where our jewelry obsession comes from, she replies: “Beauty has a very powerful effect on the human brain. And scarcity has an even more powerful effect. … When you think other people are getting something and you might not, your brain really freaks out. So the jewelry industry was poised to exist from the day human beings stood up and started acting like human beings.”

Raden tackles other issues in her Q&A with the Globe, including the rise of the engagement ring.

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Wilkerson: “They Feel Like Family”

Newton’s Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., was a true institution. But after being at the helm for most of his life, owner (and descendent of the original founder) Kelly Newton decided it was time to retire. He chose Wilkerson to handle the sale. “I’ve known the owners of Wilkerson for a long, long time. I felt at home with them,” he says. The final retirement sale was just a “blast” and the Wilkerson sales team made it so very simple and straightforward, says Newton. Would he recommend Wilkerson to others? Absolutely. “They’ve done incredible work,” says Newton. “They feel like family.”