All the good jewelry I have is
from my late mother, who had exquisite taste. I rarely wear any of it anymore because
I’m too afraid of losing or damaging the pieces I have left. Within the past 15
years, I’ve managed to lose a ring and a pendant. And I dropped a tiny opal earring
in my closet almost 3 years ago. I still can’t find it. The medium I met with last
fall confidently told me to look again in the back left corner. It’s not there.
I’ve
never been able to resist making lists, and they’re getting more detailed and unorthodox
by the week. I’m
now writing notes to myself like: “e-mail dad about getting onto Pandora radio”;
or “go to an early-morning breakfast at IHOP - alone.”
A few months ago, I typed up a list of things I want to accomplish by the end
of the year. Number 5 on this particular list is: “buy a stunning piece of
pass-downable jewelry.” So far, no luck. All the jewelry I’ve bought for
myself eventually turns out to be chintzy crap. I always keep my eyes open when
I’m traveling or when I’m shopping in the city, but nothing ever looks grand enough.
I’m not even totally sure what I’m looking for. It’s another one of those
things that only my mom would know.
What sweet memories of your mother. My mother, also, died when I was 24, which I seem to remember was your age when your mother died. I have one or two pieces of costume jewelry, which I have never worn. One is a little enamel bluebird, which is very sweet. I also have her wedding and engagement rings, the latter of which my father managed to ruin when he removed the diamond to place in a ring for himself. I do not blame him for this. He thought wearing her diamond would keep her close to him. Also, his vision and hearing were no longer the greatest, in spite of glasses and hearing aids. When I pointed out that he had completely ruined her original ring, and there was no way to repair the damage or to put the diamond back in, he literally could not see what I was talking about. As he grew older, he systematically went through his house ruining many things in an attempt to preserve them for my brother and me. The worst were the old, precious family photographs. He started putting them between two adhesive plastics, which was equivalent to pouring acid on them. I am laughing through my tears, but, darn it, I sure wish he could have seen what he was doing and stopped himself.
ReplyDeleteI love beautiful jewellery but like you, I'm always terrified I'll lose it so as a consequence, I don't wear what I already have and I don't end up buying anything else either. I stick to the cheap crap so that if I lose or "break" a piece my heart isn't broken over it.
ReplyDeleteI've just spent the better part of half my workday (what??) reading your entire blog, and I am incredulous for three reasons:
ReplyDelete1. That I didn't find you sooner.
2. That more people don't know about you. (As in, why are you not famous?)
3. How is it possible for a blog to be fascinating with NO PICTURES in the posts? That takes real talent.
As soon as I get home, I'm going to add you to my blog list, tell everyone about you, and wait impatiently for your next post. I'm too impulsive to be a stalker, just be glad I didn't (almost) break my leash and tongue-kiss you like that dog in the park! 8-)
well said!
DeleteI'm the "anonymous" previous commenter... now that I'm home and can sign in as ME (I never sign on at work, Big Brother is watching!) I can properly invite you over to my blog to wander around in my head a while. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI've never known how to accessorize, even when I was little. Whether it's jewelry, the most flattering handbag -- it still plagues me today. I could have used your Mom's guidance as well. :o) Don't give up on your search though. Optimism always gets the better of me. That perfect pass-downable gem is out there for all of us.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful scarf is another option. For jewelry check in antique shops or flea markets. Great pieces there. It is fun to be on the hunt always for something. Good luck in your search and let us know of your findings.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SITS! Pawn shops might be another option....
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love jewelry, both the "chintzy crap" and "precious stones" I never thought about the pieces I'd leave behind for my little one. What I nice idea...and ditto to Rachel's suggestion. The pawn shop me be a good option. Happy SITS day to you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find your ear ring! Maybe a metal detector? I stopped wearing the things I got from my grandmother for the same reason- losing a ring that meant so much more than whatever outing I wore it on. I never thought of having passdownable jewelry. I will have to start looking now that I have 2 kids to pass down to. Really enjoyed reading the post! Happy Sits day!
ReplyDeleteAnd what's wrong with chintzy crap anyway? Chintzy crap is so passdownable! It gains value in the act of passing down!
ReplyDeleteHello and Happy SITS Day! I am wearing my Grandmother's ring as I type. So I know what you mean. I am a list maker too!
ReplyDeleteSo why can't I get your blog delivered to my email??? LOL Great writing!
ReplyDeleteI thought the same thing about my mother & sister's jewelry. Then someone broke in my house and all they took was my jewelry box. Wear your mom's jewelry, and yes invest in a good piece to pass down. It's fun. Visiting from SITS, great post, brings back memories.
ReplyDeleteI think photos are some of my most valued things
ReplyDeleteI hope you find that opal earring. Happy SITS day, late.
ReplyDelete