Ethnic-Jewelry – bestethnicjewelry.com
The first time I saw anyone don ethnic jewelry at work was back a decade, during my “Big 4” time in Public Accounting. One of the-then partners, who happened to be from Jamaica, used to wear this thin necklace showcasing a pendant with the Jamaican colors. I remember wondering then, “So we CAN do that! We can have a style as individual enough so as to sport ethnic jewelry!”
Fast-forward a few years, as I think about the impact that this has had on myself, and probably so many others, I realize that in the conformism-driven corporate culture, there is indeed not much room for individualization, especially when it comes to style and expression. From corporate sisters wondering whether sporting braids or any other natural style at work will be considered too “ethnic” and not professional enough, to endless debates about the impact of one’s appearance and style as a minority in the corporate sphere, it’s obvious that the questions and doubts are there, albeit silenced (or hushed at the very least).
For my 2 cents, despite my reticence to wear much jewelry to work, I do make a point to wear my African jewelry to work. While still keeping in mind that my work should be “louder” than my style, and reserving the larger, more festive and noticeable pieces for the week-end, I do think it is not only ok to wear what could be considered “ethnic” jewelry to work, but that it’s actually recommended. We all come to work with our own individualities, from the kinks in our hair to the singing tone of some of our accents. So why eliminate what makes us unique? And so far, I have to say that as many questions as I’ve gotten about some of the most beautiful pieces of African jewelry I’ve worn to work, none of these have been negative in any way…
Any thoughts?
