Walking around the city at lunch time today I took note of whether most people I saw were unique or ubiquitous.

As a woman who likes to march to the beat of her own drum I found it a little sad that my question unique or ubiquitous was overwhelmingly answered by the latter.

The standard west coast, wet weather wear was out in full force – black technical fabric, a sea of it at every crosswalk. I also prefer to wear a hat rather than tote an umbrella in this city where crossing at an intersection involves running the gauntlet of umbrella prongs awfully close to your eyes!

I walked past Tiffany & Co., and they were doing a roaring trade in ubiquitous items that are on many a girl’s Valentine’s wish list. Why do we feel compelled to be the same as everyone else? And, what has this got to do with jewellery I hear you ask?

Luckily I get to work with clients who are in the former camp and prefer unique over ubiquitous any day of the week. No heart charm on a pendant or bracelet for them, but a considered quest for something that is uniquely “me” as they say. How much more unique can that be? Have your design, your way in the style that is unique to you and maybe copied by someone else and hopefully with them putting their own twist on it.

Oscar Wilde said this “My great mistake, the fault for which I can’t forgive myself is that one day I ceased my obstinate pursuit of my own individuality.”

Thank goodness for all of the unique souls in this world, I’ll happily continue being a black sheep thank you very much.

Angela