Old Carpet

I live in a house that might be 90 years old.  We don’t know for sure because records in the area don’t go back that far.  An older house such as this requires all kinds of repairs.  For instance, for the three years we’ve been living there, we’ve put-up with a terrible looking linoleum kitchen floor with patches and a soft-spot near the door.  When repairing the rotted subfloor, I found this charming old carpet below.  We look at that and think, “wow that’s tacky carpet.”  But here’s the thing, in 1972 it was “wow, that’s beautiful contemporary carpet.  The pinnacle of fashion.”

The wood above this carpeting was attacked by moisture, carpenter ants and wood-rot and had to be replaced.  If I were to have steam-cleaned this carpet it might look pristine.  This carpet was obviously of very durable quality and somebody thought it was the perfect choice for the entryway to the kitchen to this great old house. 

How does this relate to jewellery?  Well, doing restyle and design work requires recognition and acknowledgement of quality; even when style is outdated.  It often doesn’t make any sense to restyle a 25 year old 17-stone diamond cluster ring which contains little gold and poor quality diamonds; bought as a promise ring from some long forgotten suitor.  An early ‘80s 17-stone diamond cluster purchased as an engagement ring might contain hand-set F-color, VS clarity diamonds.  The quality and meaning of this ring might indeed warrant an expensive restyle and could even beckon for a new feature diamond!

When someone brings in some nuggetty-looking ‘70s ring, or some gaudy ‘80s cluster, appreciate it as part of an era.  It may have monetary value from high quality gemstones or despite the quality it may have huge sentimental value.  It may warrant an extensive restoration or a creative new restyle.  You might even sell them a ring that compliments it and bridges the gap between contemporary and classic.

As for my floor?  This classic old house deserved a fabulous new ceramic tile floor laid with the utmost precision and that’s just what it got.  The carpet’s still there for the next owner to discover.