Happy Friday. The weekend's so close, I can almost taste it. Can you?
I've written about wearing jewellery that's close to my heart before (both here and here), but I'd love to share with you a new(ish) bracelet that I've been wearing on and off lately.
This gold bangle was given to my mom by my dad after he visited Thailand many, many years ago. When I went home for Christmas, my mom said I could have it (on the condition that I took good care of it!) if I wanted to wear it, and because my wrist's so small (I have freakishly small wrists!), it fit me perfectly.
The bracelet depicts the animals of the entire Chinese Zodiac - I wear it so that the ox, tiger, and dragon face upwards, as they remind me of my family (yup, my mom is an actual tiger mom!).
I like having tangible reminders of home and of my family. After receiving emails for events I'd love to go to with my mom recently (a Jo Malone evening or a piano recital at King's Place), I'm feeling a little homesick and sad. Wearing this bracelet reminds me that she's just on the other end of the phone ... or FaceTime, or iMessage, or Instagram, as it seems to be the case these days!
What's a special piece of jewellery that you wear? Is it a family heirloom? I'd love to know.
Ready for some cheese? The most special piece of jewelry I wear is my wedding band (awwww!) which is just a plain gold wedding band that my husband bought at a flea market. I'm not a fussy jewelry type at all, and while I do have a diamond band that I wear occasionally, I never had an engagement ring nor did I want one. Really, the plain band is all I ever wanted. He has a matching silver one and we're set with that. You might imagine that people had a lot to say when we first got married but meh, we knew what we wanted and we love each other so isn't that the point? Great question!
ReplyDeleteROBIN. Ready for something hilarious? JOHN'S SILVER WEDDING RING WAS BOUGHT AT A FLEA MARKET. At Spitalfields, to be exact! And we *love* it because it came with the best story ... which I'll tell you sometime when we meet for brunch (it's funny but a bit long-winded to explain here). We had a 10-times less entertaining ring-trying-on experience for him at Tiffany's, which made me glad we stuck to this one (especially since he loses things. All. The. Time.).
DeleteAnd yes. It is absolutely the point to wear (or not wear!) what you want because your love for each other is more important! And people who comment or judge can just ... step aside.
I love that! Mine is from Alfie's in Marylebone! Looking forward to hearing the story of John's ring sometime. xo
Delete
ReplyDeleteI was given a ring of my beloved grandma's after she died. It is very unique in its design and I remember a family member turning their nose up at it because it wasn't very traditional compared to the glam piece they received. Quite annoyed with my family member for the obvious reasons, I had to point out to them that wasn't it obvious why she chose what rings we got? Knowing us inside and out, she understood what sort of piece would speak to us. I always am afraid to wear it incase I lose or damage it, but if I know I am having a big day or am worried, I wear it to feel like she is there to help me get through.
That's a beautiful story about your grandma's ring, Tamara, and so very special. Sometimes, the simplest pieces speak to us the most - and as you said, your grandma knew you well. That's all that counts.
DeleteSorry to divert attention away from the gorgeous bracelet, but THAT WATCH!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
ReplyDeletePolly xx
HAHAHAHA, that's okay Polly. I'm a fan of the watch too. Have you seen the other Kate Spade watches? They're all gorgeous. Next time you're in London, pop into the Covent Garden store!
DeleteYes, I've had my eye on one for a long time now. Next time I'm in London I'm there! :-)
DeletePolly xx
My favorite piece of jewelry (that I used to wear everyday, but now only wear once in a while) is a necklace one of my grad school classmates made me. She actually made something for each of us and gave it to us on graduation day. Each one was made according to what our personalities/writing are like. My stone is green on the outside and darkens to black at its center. She said it was the creepiest looking stone she had (b/c I write creepy stories, hahaha).
ReplyDeleteWhen I go home on the 17th, my mom is going to give me a bracelet! It's one she ordered for me before I left. I'm looking forward to wearing it :)
Love it, Gianni! Also, which bracelet did your mom order for you?? I'm so curious.
DeleteClearly, I suck at replying to the actual comment...
DeleteI can't remember the brand name... I'll have to post a pic of it when I go home (then I can tell you who made it)!
ReplyDeleteYes, please do!
DeleteThat's such a gorgeous bracelet - the sentimental value must make it even more beautiful though.
ReplyDeleteI have a few especially sentimental pieces - though she died when I was young I inherited my Gran's engagement ring on my 21st birthday, so it's particularly special for both reasons. I don't wear it all that often, mostly because I'm single and it's very obviously an engagement ring! Don't want to scare the men off from the outset. ;)
Then I have a few gifts - a Tiffany necklace my parents gave me for Christmas a few years ago (my first ever piece of Tiffanys) and two silver rings my brother gave me for my 21st birthday.
Those are lovely, Sorcha. Keep them safe! They sound very special; especially since they were all given to you by your family. BTW ... I have loved your recent posts, and I send my good wishes to you re: your health!
DeleteOur wedding rings were made by a family friend who attended our wedding (a retired Hatton Garden jeweller) so are very irreplacable :D
ReplyDeleteI had my engagement ring set in Hatton Gardens ... those jewellers definitely know what they're doing there! I'd love to see a photo of your rings sometime, Emmal.
DeleteYour mom gave you a precious gold bangle, this is so beautiful. I like it!
ReplyDelete