From sentimental necklaces to statement bracelets, the jewelry that Andover students wear often reflects their identity and sense-of-self. This week, The Phillipian interviewed students on their go-to pieces of jewelry and how they incorporate them into their daily looks, whether for personal significance or to elevate their fashion.
Maggie Fulop ’26
“All of my jewelry is fairly chunky with defined silhouettes… I really like buying jewelry on vacation as souvenirs. I bought my Vivienne Westwood bracelet in London because it was sold out online and I had been eyeing it for years… The Hermes and vintage silver are from my grandmother and the Gucci necklace is from my mother because apparently it was a really good deal at TJ Maxx. Because they’re mostly souvenirs and gifts, they remind me of fun times with friends and family.
Magdalena Mercado ’26
“I like thrifting a lot of my jewelry and getting them from all over the place. Some I got at night markets, some in London, and others at a mixed metals section of Andover Thrift. It pulls together an outfit together, I don’t really care about the outfit itself, I care more about the jewelry, like I pay attention to my bracelets, rings, and earrings.”
Wendi Wei ’27
“I saw [the necklace] in [a] store and I told my mom, ‘This necklace is really pretty.’ And then on my birthday, a lot of months later, she got it for me, which was really special because she remembered. And I think any gift from my mom is really important because usually on my birthday I don’t really get gifts; we don’t do gifts in my family. That meant a lot for me, and I’m glad that I put it in use, because I wear it every day.”
Alina Chen ’27
“My long-term memory, to be honest, isn’t really that strong. I feel like I always forget things, even really enjoyable experiences, or just don’t have as vivid of a recollection of them in my mind as I’d like to. But jewelry is a way that I can reminisce back on these different moments.
I really like to buy jewelry on vacations as a way to remember memories from the past in my everyday life. Specifically, the Vivienne Westwood pendant necklace reminds me of my trip to Paris. The necklace really helps me reminisce on my other memories from the trip, like taking in the view from the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre, or shopping at one of those larger-than-life department stores.”
Mayari Burt ’27
“First off, [the bangles] are relatively fashionable. They go with any of my day-to-day outfits and add dimension to how I present myself. Additionally, the bangles belonged to my great-grandmother, who is now 97 years old, and they mean a lot to me because they symbolize the pillar that she represents in my family. She was a Jamaican immigrant, so that’s kind of my connection to my Jamaican roots since I’ve grown up predominantly in the U.S… they’re also just a reminder of family, which I feel is very needed.”
Chloe Song ’26
“I got two new snakebite piercings which are two piercings right above the lobe, one on top of the other, so it looks like a snakebite. It was spontaneous and I meant to only get one, but it was a good deal. Right now, since they’re still new, I have the original backings from the store and haven’t changed them out yet. I think [piercings] are fun, they’re a nice accessory.”
