A Family history
I first connected with Libby via a soul sister, Shannon. Where to start with Shannon? She’s a connector. Not the kind who nonchalantly introduces people at a party. She’s the insanely passionate kind who wants to bring people together and encourage them to recognize their talents. Part camp counselor part business guru she’s one of my favorite people who, in the first moments of meeting her, opened her heart and said Let me love you! Libby is an adored Aunt and I was fortunate enough to get to know a little about her through a project I did for her years ago. You might remember it? A moonstone ring inspired by the story of the Red Thread.
As Libby’s daughter comes closer to the milestone of 40, we started to brainstorm a piece for her. Shannon had given me some stones that had been in the family which served as the starting point.
One of my favorite parts of the discovery process is the first conversation where I get to ask all the important questions. It’s here where I dig into the relationships and characteristics that form the deeper connections. To get to hear a Mom gush about her daughter, well there’s not much that’s better! I learned how important family is to Jennifer. How she’s one of the kindest people you’ve ever met. She’s sensitive, protective, private and if you ever need someone with a direct line, she’s the one you call. An avid gardener she always has a foster in addition to her band of 3 dogs and 4 cats. And as for life at home? Well, She was lucky enough to meet her match, a kindhearted man named Tommy.
To design a piece that’s representative of a family, a signet ring just seemed like a fit. And so, with that as a jumping off point, we begin. Libby had mentioned that she wanted to do stacking rings and the more I marinated, the more I began to fall in love with the idea of a signet done in two parts. The center would be a circle representing Jennifer and Tommy’s relationship, holding an opal and a ruby. The other ring (the one that encompasses the first) gently supports that relationship and is evocative of Libby, Her Mom, and Dad. Characterized by the two rubies and opal that were removed from other family heirlooms to create this piece.
3 rubies, symbolic of birthdays in July. 2 opals, representative of those born in October. Rubies are solid and a good reminder of the bonds that tie us together in family. Opals need care, much the way that we must choose to nurture our relationships.
Jennifer, as you enter this new decade, we hope that you feel the love and support of the generations that have come before you. Happiest of Birthdays!