Grandma's Jewels

I have a Grandma who is very generous. She also has the most gorgeous, timeless style, and married a man many years ago whose taste in jewelry was matched by few (he passed on this gene to my Dad, much to the happiness of my Mom and me!). Together they traveled the world and they often came home with something exquisite, a precious souvenir for my Grandma, who is never without jewelry. As a result, so many of her pieces come from foreign lands, but she does also have some that were handed down to her from her own mother, or were gifts for special anniversaries or holidays. Her collection is spectacular and over the years she has passed on some of her pieces to me.

This ring my grandparents got on a trip to Japan in 1961. It's made of rose gold and pearls and I think it's just stunning. I remember admiring it on my grandma's hand several years ago, and she gave it to me that Christmas, I think (or maybe it was a graduation gift) to have as my own. It's a true "statement" ring!

This braided bracelet was the first Valentine's Day gift my Grandpa ever gave to my Grandma. It was in 1945, three years before they were married, and she's told me that she wore it constantly. It's so special to me. Without their love, my Dad wouldn't be here today, my brothers and I wouldn't be here. What a powerful reminder.

This opal necklace is one of my favorites--I wear it all the time. The opal belonged to my Great-Grandmother Maddox (Maddox is my given middle name). When my Grandma gave it to me, it was on a longer, heavier gold chain, which I exchanged for this delicate, short gold chain. It sits right at my collarbone and I love how petite and simple it is.

My Grandma gave me this locket years and years ago, and being the little "mother" that I was, I filled it with a picture of my baby brother. My Grandma didn't remember the exact story on it but I vaguely remember my Dad telling me it was from their trip to Hawaii. A sweet quirk of this locket is that it opens so that the person wearing the necklace can look down and see it, instead of the traditional design which is meant for showing off the picture to others.

This strand of pink beads was first given to my Mom, then my Mom passed it to me. My Grandparents got it on a trip to Greece and my Grandma says she fell in love with it because she "always liked pink!" I love adding color to my outfits primarily through jewelry and other accessories while keeping my clothing mostly neutral, so this is perfect for me! It's gorgeous against a simple black or white top.

Heirloom jewels, with their histories and stories and memories, are about as special a gift as you can give. Thanks for letting me share these with you. And thank you, Grandma, for these priceless beauties.

p.s. Have you entered my Favorite Things Giveaway? I'll be picking the winner this Friday morning, so make sure you leave a comment on this post before then!