Tradition, History, Keepsake, Heirloom... My most precious piece of gold jewelry is all of that and then some. 
On my Parent's wedding day, my father gave my mother an 18kt gold ring, as a wedding gift. It was in addition to her gold wedding band. The ring unfolds, in blooming petals, of white and yellow gold. My Mother wore it on her wedding day and I love seeing it in the black and white photos.
As far back as I can remember and starting at a very young age, my Mom would gather all four of her daughters in her bedroom. We would sit on her bed, in a circle, look at all her jewelry and she would tell us the story and meaning behind each keepsake. My sisters and I would try on each piece and as the pieces would slip off of our little fingers, I always wondered about the day that the ring would fit.
My Mother would then go around our mother/daughter circle and ask each one of us, "Which piece would you want someday?"... Ma went in the order of birth, with her question and I had to wait my turn. Ahhhhh my eyes gleamed and I sat with baited breath, hoping my two older sisters would not choose my ring (I'm number 3, out of 4). When she finally got to me, I was elated to see that the ring was still in the items of choice. My Ma knew which one I wanted, maybe it was mother's intuition, maybe it was because I would squirm every time someone came close to picking it or maybe because I never took my eyes off of it. In any event, I chose the ring.
Year after year, and as we grew, my Ma would gather her girls on her bed and we would visit our pieces. Time after time, we confirmed our chosen keepsake. On my wedding day, both of my Parents presented me with the ring. It meant so very much to me, that my mother wore it on her wedding day and now, I would be wearing it on my wedding day. I respect, love, admire and honor my parents. I hoped to have the same union as they did. The ring represents so much... Aspiring to my parents commitment, growing into a dream and fulfilling a future that was hoped for.
Some day, my daughter, Hope, will wear that ring on her wedding day.... I hope that doesn't come too soon, because I don't want to part with the ring!! Lol
OH! Don't forget to enter the May is Gold Month Sweepstakes by clicking on the link here: May is Gold Month Sweepstakes Blog. You HAVE to post in the blog for your entry to be counted!!!!! Good Luck!
Xo,
A
