Today, I thought I’d share a piece of my heart that’s all about nostalgia and a whole lot of sparkle. We’re diving into a world of sentimental treasures, most of which were passed down to me by my spirited mother-in-law. She had this thing for shopping, especially from the comfort of her home, loving those online shops and TV channels. The collection she left behind is like a window into her soul, and we’re also going to chat about gold diamond rings – pieces that add a special touch. (This is a collaborative post).
Remembering an eccentric soul
My late mother-in-law was quite the character. She turned shopping into an adventure, embracing online deals and shopping channels with a unique gusto. It seemed like a new package arrived at her doorstep almost every day (sometimes even several times a day!), revealing a fresh gem. But what really brought her joy was gifting, especially to her loved ones, like my husband Michael and me. Our Christmas visits to her place were like stepping into a wonderland of extravagance and affection.
When she left us last year, she left behind not only memories but also an impressive collection of jewellery. Following her wishes, she handed over her cherished collection to me, a legacy that spoke volumes about her personality and quirks. If you take a peek, you’ll find at least six boxes overflowing with various rings and drawers full of other fabulous things including bracelets, necklaces, watches and earrings. Today, I’m having a proper look through her collection, and showing you a selection of pieces that she treasured. There is more to this collection, as well as a few special pieces like a couple of gold diamond rings and other precious stones that she loved, but I’ll keep those pictures for some future outfits posts. Now get ready for a lot of photos…
A collection of cherished pieces
As I sifted through her collection, many of the pieces felt like a little memory capsule. Every ring told a story, a piece of her life. Most of these gems fall into the costume jewellery category, but there are a few that truly stand out.
Among my collection is my very own gold diamond ring. Michael surprised me with it when I completed my yoga teaching course during my 40th year. It’s a second engagement ring, a symbol of our connection that has grown even stronger over the 25 years we’ve been married. We’ve talked about renewing our vows, but things got busy this year with the house build. Life, eh? I didn’t take any photos of my own engagement rings but here are some beautiful images of some random ones that I’d rather like to have myself lol!! (Because I’ve clearly not got enough, have I?!!). They’re beautiful photos, aren’t they? It’s amazing what AI can create these days!
Let’s chat a bit about gold diamond rings. These rings hold a special place, not just for their elegance but also for the emotions they carry. The combination of gold and diamonds creates a classic appeal that’s stood the test of time. Over the years, gold diamond rings have graced the hands of both historical figures and modern icons, signifying love, milestones, and cherished connections. The tradition of using gold and diamonds in jewellery dates back to ancient times, but it wasn’t until the Renaissance period in Europe that the concept of gold diamond rings as symbols of love and commitment gained prominence. The tradition was further solidified during the late 19th century and mid-20th century, driven by the marketing efforts of companies like De Beers. However, gold diamond rings haven’t always been associated with positive stories. In 2003, the Antwerp Diamond Heist (dubbed the Heist of the Century) involved the theft of an astonishing amount of diamonds, gold diamond rings amongst them, I’m sure. Despite their history, one thing remains undeniable – diamonds hold a unique allure that transcends generations and trends. As Marilyn Monroe famously sang, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
Honouring the legacy
While gold diamond rings may not have been her top choice, my mother-in-law had an affinity for a range of ring styles. In her later years, she developed a liking for rose gold, something I can totally get behind. There’s a certain warmth and elegance to rose gold that speaks to my heart, and each piece in that shade feels like a connection to her.
So, as I continue to explore this collection, I’m reminded of her eccentricity, her laughter, and her knack for finding joy in the little things when we were with her. It’s more than just jewellery; it’s a tribute to a woman who embraced her unique self and expressed it through her treasures.
And that, my friends, wraps up our journey through my inherited jewellery collection. It’s a mix of memories, emotions, a little touch of elegance and lots of quirkiness. Even though it’s been a year, I’ve actually worn such a small percentage of her jewellery because there’s just so much of it! And when the weather is too hot (like it has been lately), I find it difficult to wear any jewellery at all. So I really hope it’s going to cool down enough that I can start jazzing myself up with it again! In the meantime though, I shall cherish the stories it holds and the woman it reminds me of.
Do you have any special pieces of jewellery that you’ve inherited? Now let’s get on with the weekly link-up!
