January 2008
Previous Newsletters: Current | January 2008 | Winter 2007 | Fall 2007
As I gathered my thoughts to write something insightful about Valentine's Day, I spoke to our Master Goldsmith to see what his thoughts were on the subject. As he and I bantered back and forth it became clear to me that the gift of jewelry means so much more than the sum if its parts. Jewelry is the embodiment of emotions: love, understanding, trust, devotion, loyalty, and sometimes even as a commemoration piece. People give jewelry to their loved ones as a concrete reminder of their feelings: a reminder that can be worn every day.
| 
Peggy
|
|
|
As we approach Valentine's Day, I believe that the symbolism of jewelry takes on another dimension of meaning. Valentine's Day has long been held as the day that we are all encouraged to proclaim our love for the special people in our lives. Now I do understand that some regard this day as a fabricated holiday created to sell greeting cards, long stem roses and heart shaped chocolates. Some people would probably put jewelry in this same classification of gifts. I, however, would not. Whereas cards get thrown away, flowers die and chocolates get eaten, jewelry remains. Year in and year out the gift of jewelry is worn and treasured, and with the passing of those years the jewelry becomes more and more precious to the wearer. This concept is proven to us time and time again in the most endearing fashion. Our experience with this concept often takes the following path...
A woman will come into our store asking to have her wedding ring sized. Very often, through years of hard work, her knuckles will be enlarged and her wedding ring just won't sit straight on her finger anymore. As she removes the ring for us to determine what size it should be, she pauses for a moment and just admires it. She looks up at us with tears in her eyes and says, "I've been wearing this ring for 53 years. My husband gave this to me and I've treasured it ever since. He passed away a few months ago, and I'm just not ready to take it off yet. Can you make it fit me properly?" Very often she'll acknowledge that although the diamond isn't as big as the one her granddaughter wears, it was given to her out of love, and she wouldn't trade it for the world.
It is at moments like this that we too are reminded that it isn't the metal and the stones that make jewelry special. It is the sentiment behind the gift. So whether it's Valentine's Day, an engagement ring, or just something special to show that you care, remember that the piece of jewelry you choose may be worn for the next 53 years, or even longer, as a symbol of your love. |
|
