The Meaning of Value

Value /ˈvaljuː/

Noun: the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

Verb: estimate the monetary worth of.

What is value and how do you measure it? Do you think about the quality of the materials used, the length of time it’s taken to create, what it means to your heart? Join us in conversation with Found Treasure’s Naomi, founder and dreamer, as she enlightens us on what value means to her.

How would you describe value?

It comes in many forms: sentimental, craftsmanship, design and core value. The sentimental, or emotional aspect, is part of my design process and how Found Treasure first began. One of the ways I measure value is in terms of quantity, and my jewellery is never mass-produced. For example, I love making a custom ring which only fits my client. It’s so special when they’ve also been a part of the design process. This is a truly one of a kind experience that results in a carefully designed piece like no other.

How do you measure the value of something?

I value quality, care and design, yet measuring value is a hard question to answer as I’d say that some things really are pure treasures. Things that hold a memory, like a photograph, a love note, a favourite book or a piece of jewellery you wear everyday, are truly priceless.

Before you started Found Treasure, how did you consider value?

In terms of when buying jewellery? I knew to check that the metals were either sterling silver or solid gold. I then made sure I’d wear it every day by considering the design (always minimal for me) and that it made me feel good when I saw it. Before Found Treasure I had no idea how long it would take to make an item so didn’t consider this!

When it came to cost all I had to go on was the fact of whether I could afford it or not. Now I see things so differently! I think about how much someone has been paid to make a piece, and how long it must have taken them. It may take the mystery away but it’s so important to consider who made your things, how long it took and the core value of a product. Uniqueness and craftsmanship are hard to put a price on though, similar to art.

Do you think that you spend your money differently since running your own business?

I think travelling and starting my own business has really changed how I spend money. Before you even embark on your trip you are saving as much money as you can, then once you’re away you’re also careful with your cash, because you want the experience to last as long as possible. In that regard I’ve always been quite conscious of money.

Starting my own business meant understanding investing, both in myself and in my business simultaneously. Once I wrapped my head around the fact that spending money on tools and metal is an investment I realised how much I wanted Found Treasure to work! It feels good knowing that everything I put back into my business is an investment into the future of FT.

Is there anything that you consider priceless? A treasure that you’d never part with?

My 9ct Tidal Ring. In my opinion, if something has a powerful meaning for you it then becomes priceless. Have you ever realised that after you’ve bought something, if you love it enough, you totally forget about the cost?

(I lost my ring recently and as much as I tried not to worry, I scanned the streets I’d walked down a little closer and caught myself thinking about it all the time! I think that’s when you know something has become priceless to you. I eventually found it on the floor by my jewellery bench. I’m so glad to have it back!)

Do you tailor your spending to align with your morals?

I like to support other small businesses because I understand the love that goes into that product. I know the feeling it will bring them by spending my money on their craft! For me, when an order comes through its like someone is saying “I believe in you and what you are doing”, and it’s an amazing feeling.

Why is it important for people to consider value, both monetarily and sentimentally?

Sentimental value is very personal. It’s a connection, a feeling and a story. But a product's practical value comes from its inherent value; it’s purity, it’s durability, it’s design and how it’s been made or crafted. Sometimes it’s hard to find a product that has a high value in each of these ways and is still affordable. When I’m questioning the cost of something I remind myself of the expression ‘poor people can’t afford cheap things’. It’s always worth investing in things that are of a high quality and great design as they’ll last.

Quality and design is so important to Found Treasure. ‘I am very conscious of what I bring into the world and only work with quality metals and never plate my pieces. Plating consists of coating the piece through an electrical and chemical process, which wears off over time, making it decrease in value within the year. I don’t understand this process as a maker; if you are proud of designing something beautiful, why plate it? I know these quick fixes seem like a good idea but try to think about your investment instead. Always quality over quantity.’

To shop the collection or learn more about Found Treasure click here.

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