Wednesday, February 16, 2011
a fine inheritance
My grandmother passed away some months ago, and it all happened so very fast that I wasn't able to say goodbye.
But then again she and I had done that, somehow knowingly, two years ago when we travelled to Arizona to visit them and spend some weeks hiking in Sedona. More than anything, our daughter had the chance to meet them, giggle with them and make some connections with her great-grandparents.
The last day of our visit, I was admiring a piece of my grandmother's art (she was, like my grandfather, a voracious artist, working in jewelry, copper enameling and embroidery). She took it right off the wall near her bed and put it in my hands without a second's thought. "You take this," she said. "This is my chance to give it to you myself. I don't know when I'll get that chance again."
In the last few weeks, here at home, I feel like a beautiful blossom, a living part of my grandmother, has opened up in our lives. My daughter has started to express her love for jewelry - something more intense and specific than her love for color, or texture, or making art. Those last 3 things are things my mother and I share, and have tried to share with her. But jewelry? Neither of us wear jewelry very much, and neither does her dad. My sister and mother in law don't have an affinity for collecting or wearing jewelry either.
And then it hit me. The only other person I've ever known in our families who has truly loved jewelry like this was my grandmother.
As we're as careful as we can be with lead, cadmium and other toxins that are (unfortunately) often present in most kids' jewelry, I knew this new love would have to be nurtured with safe metals and real stones.
I didn't even to say a word a few months ago when a beautiful little box came for me as part of a swap. Inside was a wondrous silver and moonstone necklace, handmade by Monica of Moonovermaize on Etsy - part of a swap we did in the Artisans Gallery team. My daughter asked if she could try it on, and never wanted to take it off. It made me so happy to share such a special gift with her (you can see it in the photo above and below).
And when I received the specific request for a bracelet - a fancy one - I knew just where to turn. Swiss jeweler Michelle, of steinschmuckdesign, makes such beautiful pieces. And I knew I had seen some elastic-strung bracelets in her shop.
A few weeks later, my daughter had a belated birthday present - a bracelet (well, 2) of pink agate stones. Hot pink (of course).
Thank you so much, Michelle, and Monica for your wonderful gifts and craftswomanship.
How wonderfully precious! I'm so glad she is enjoying her jewelry.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to contact Michele about that hot pink bracelet...my daughter would love that!
Oh Jen, this story with your Granmother touch me so much and that your Daughter cares and lives a passion (Jewelry) of her is so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI think we always have a chance to say goodby. When I was a Child my Granfather passed away, I was not there, but he came to me in a Dream and did say goodby.
I am still so happy you 2 love the Bracelet :)
Thank you very much for sharing this!
What a lovely story! Isn't it fascinating how jewelry almost invariably has such a personal and intimate attraction and connection for us.
ReplyDeleteOh this is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteOh this is so sweet and touching.
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful story! and really sweet that your daughter is showing such personal taste and direction at a tiny age.
ReplyDeletebeautiful jewels too :)