My Mother’s Ring

There is so much jewelry in this world…some unique, classy, and valuable pieces, but a lot of schlocky pieces too. I like jewelry and used to wear more of it, especially when I was working. However, I now mostly wear earrings…even though I do like necklaces. These days I will look at jewelry with a more critical eye, and I rarely buy any of the beautiful pieces I like when I do look… I say to myself, “where would I wear it?”

I have a few valuable pieces of jewelry: a diamond necklace Gary gave me when we were engaged, a pair of stud diamond earrings, and a pair of teardrop diamond earrings I’ve received as gifts over the years. I have some antique jewelry, and sparkly beaded necklaces I wore for a long time, when in fashion. At times I feel I should just wear my classic, lovely jewelry for the sake of wearing it…no matter what I’m doing, but I usually don’t bother.

Another valuable piece of jewelry I own is my mother’s ring. She was widowed in her 50’s and at some point she had her wedding rings made into a single ring using the diamonds and rubies from her set. Her name was Ruby so I always liked that she had rubies in her ring. When she died I inherited her ring. I wear it when I dress up, or on special occasions. For instance, last Sunday our grandson was baptized so I wore her ring. It makes me feel like she’s there too, somehow.

The ring is a bit awkward…protruding higher than I’m used to. It doesn’t exactly fit either…a little too big for my ring finger, a bit too tight for other fingers. But I wear it anyways.

When Gary and I got married 43 years ago, we each got a wedding band…plain and simple. On our 25th anniversary he bought me an anniversary ring, a gold band with diamonds to replace the original band that had become too small for me.

The saga will continue…to wear jewelry or not to wear it. But, I will always enjoy looking at jewelry, and admiring jewelry others are wearing.