This is the phonautograph, it is the earliest known sound recording device!

Invented by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville in 1860 it is said to be the first device to have captured a recording of the human voice. Similar to the phonograph invented by Thomas Edison, the phonautograph inscribed the visual image of sound waves onto a rotating cylinder. This means that in recorded history we have only been able to see sound waves for 155 years. That qualifies as recent history!

The technology to hear the recordings he created was only recently developed. In fact his recording itself was only discovered in 2008 and is know as the earliest recording of singing predating Edison's recording by 28 years.

Apparently Scott's intention was never to play back his recordings it was to see a visual representation of his voice. He was deeply invested in the study of stenography and hoped to create a form of stenography which could accurately record a whole conversation. Ahead of his time was Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville!

Obviously I feel an affinity towards Mr. Scott de Martinville. I like to think that I am continuing the work he started. Of course I can not do this with out the help of all my amazing clients, so in essence we are recording history together.

In order to record history objects of quality must be created so they can stand the test of time. Jewellery is a perfect medium to do so if it is created using quality material and proper craftsmanship. Fashion jewellery is fun for play however when grandma passes and the time comes to look into her personal treasure chest items of low quality are usually discarded. It is my personal mission to make sure that your recorded memories are created with the thought and integrity they deserve so we can all learn from them in the future.

I hope Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville would be proud.