When I was 14, I bought a spike bracelet in a shop on 8th street. This spike bracelet was special. It was different. It’s quality was better than that of the typical spike bracelet. The leather was better and the spikes more distinct. These pyramid spikes peaked higher and where sharper. And through my life, I never saw anyone with the same style spike bracelet. They always had the typical one that was shallow and dulled. You can find those today usually on belts.

I’ve always held on to this bracelet. Although for many years I didn’t where it and actually pact it away in a box stored at my mothers house, I rediscovered it and held on to it in a more accessible place. I would were it and not. And the main reason for not was that I was afraid of losing it. It’s an important object for me. Mainly cause it symbolizes my adolescent emancipation. A time I decided that I would re-invent myself and display a message to the establishment that I was not an easy target that would follow the herds. I have spikes now, so don’t tread on me or you’ll get hurt. More importantly my decent is unique cause these spikes are special. This is not just an adolescent phase.

I’m still the same person I was then. Different, but the core is the same. My values are the same although my approach may be different but I still have the bracelet. In my 30’s I wore this spike bracelet more as a group of friends where buying jewelry from a designer that made pieces with a style and flare of rock N’roll rebel. For me they were just discovering them selves and celebrating their emancipation from the establishment. However, their ability to afford this jewelry was the result of their submission to it. I wore my spike bracelet with pride that it’s value was minute monetarily but much greater in it’s virtue. And because of this weight I was always afraid that I would lose it or lose a spike from it. As I said it’s unique. And can not be replaced.

This last month when I could finally afford it, I had a replica made from it with sterling silvers spikes and a buckle. Dave Pressley (917.771.9557) did a great job. He is a very talented jewelry designer. Although he felt that he made a copy, he did not. His buckle design worked perfect and has added an aristocratic quality to it that creates an irony that enhances the piece.

This new piece has already become very special to me. As I explained to a friend the story of how I had it re-invented because of my sentimental value of the older one. She said, “ this one is now to symbolize your arrival” And she is right!