These intricate gold bangles are from the mission’s trip I went on to India two years ago. I went there with a team of four others and we were there for a month, visiting churches and families in local villages. Besides photos of the trip and memories in my heart, I didn’t bring much else back except these. Bangles are such a traditional embellishment for Indian women and wearing these bring me back to the relationships that we built and the times we shared with the locals there, as well as the challenges that we encountered and the faith that was required to get through them.

Though my jewelry collection has piled up substantially over the years, certain pieces are undoubtedly more special to me than others. Some of these may not be the prettiest baubles that I have, butthe stories that go along with them are what make them treasured beyond any material value that they may possess. Here are a few of my favourites coupled with brief stories of why they are so special to me.


Long before I was a statement jewelry fanatic, I preferred gold, nature inspired & relatively daintier pieces. These four were from former local jewelry designer Constantina James (her label, Simply Sublime) who has since moved her work to Greece. My late-teenaged self thought they were pretty much amazing since they were gold filled instead of gold plated, especially since my scope had been limited to what I’d seen in shops like Claire’s and Aldo. Since I couldn’t afford them at full price, I eagerly anticipated her annual sales where every piece would be marked down to $25; that’s how I obtained these. My favourite of the bunch is the necklace with the ‘fan’, which is actually a real leaf dipped in 24K gold.


This Lanvin x H&M necklace is probably one of, if not the most gorgeous, standout piece in my collection, but aside from its beauty, it also brings back memories for me. It was the first (and likely last) time I ever waited outside for a designer collaboration, and my bestie (who doesn’t even really care for fashion) willingly waited outside with me for nearly 10 hours- in the snow, no less: a mark of a selfless friend.


The Thomas Sabo charm bracelet was given to me by David’s dad about two years ago. He and David have been intermittently giving me charms as gifts to adorn it with since. I prefer to wear only one or two charms at a time, but this one is my favourite and stays on it almost exclusively: it features boy and girl stick figures and on the other side there is a carved heart. David gave me this one last Christmas, and it is extra special to me because he wears one from the same series (except it only has a boy stick figure) around his neck which his mum gave to him when he was a child.

18 comments on “Adorned with a Story

  1. what a lovely post… thanks for giving us a peek into your collection of jewelry and memories! i think all of the jewelry is beautiful and special here… that lanvin necklace and the gold leaf necklace are my favorites!! have a great monday <3shelby

    http://www.makemesparkly.blogspot.com

  2. I love your jewelry! I do understand there are some pieces that mean just a little more than others. :)

  3. I always love seeing a girl’s jewelry collection; what someone has in her jewelry box says a lot about her personality. [Mine most likely tells people I have trouble making up my mind :)] All of these pieces are stunning, but particularly the gold bangles from India- and so meaningful, too!
    xox,
    Cee

  4. Thanks for sharing the stories behind these exquisite pieces Jen! Having a story behind a treasured piece is why I like to shop when I travel. Whenever someone compliments something and I say “Thank you, I got it in [insert place name here]” it brings back warm memories of my trip.

    And speaking of building warm memories on trips, I hope that’s exactly what you’re doing in Europe right now!

  5. aww the charm’s story is so cute! i am still obsessed with that lanvin necklace too

    <3 pandaphilia

  6. Interesting how jewelry seems to be one of those things that always has a story behind them! I love that H&M x Lanvin piece as well, it really does stand out!

  7. What an awesome post..to see your GEMS and also learn more about you! I tend to gravitate towards chunky..but throw a dainty piece in ever now and again…loving yours!

    PS I GOT MY SCARF!!!! AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
    Thank you so very much. Can’t wait to wear it and post about it.
    C

  8. The last one is the sweetest. I like the story behind it, but your whole collection is really to die for. <3

  9. wow, you have such amazing accessories. i’m loving all the different gold pieces and these bangles are gorgeous. what a great souvenir!

    cute & little
    come check out the color brigade!

  10. Gold bangles have Delicacy and light weight finish made from copper and plated with gold. Looks like real gold bangles and in gold designs. Ideal for daily use as well as party wear are available online on many sites from where user can easily purchase from their choice. gold bangles with price in india

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *