Jewelry Winner

Sweater: Uniqlo // Cami: Old Navy // Denim pencil skirt: Gap

Lips: Revlon Black Cherry // Nails: OPI I've "Red" The Script

Necklace and Earrings: Ruth Barzel Jewelry Design

Two weeks ago, I won a giveaway on my favorite fashion blog, Wardrobe Oxygen! I'm pretty sure it's the first blog giveaway I've ever won, and it was a great one - a $100 credit to Ruth Barzel Jewelry Design. After I got the happy news, I had a hard time choosing just one or two of Ruth's gorgeous pieces, and figuring out whether to stick with the credit or put it toward a larger investment. I was very tempted by the Starfish Necklace and the Mixed Chain Necklace. But eventually...

...I settled on the Long Turquoise Pendant and the Mint Amazonite Earrings. I've been on the lookout for more yellow gold jewelry, and I like the simplicity and boldness of the turquoise square.

Here's a better look at the earrings! They're the same size, shape, and color as one of my most frequently worn pairs, which are plastic/aluminum and starting to look rough. As I get older, I'm getting more sensitive to fake metals (womp womp). So I jumped at the chance to "upgrade" to these nice silver hooks and real stones!

Thanks so much Allie and Ruth! You've made my holiday season happier. Also, thanks to my friend Stacy for taking these pictures outside in the freezing cold.

Jewelry Stories: Jubilee Medal

As I've mentioned before, my two best friends/roommates from college are Catholic. Back then, I went to Mass and worship services with them fairly often. So I was well aware of the Great Jubilee in 2000 (which was our junior/senior year of college). I loved the concept and was happy to celebrate despite not being Catholic. :)

That summer, Kathy and her family went to Rome for World Youth Day. She bought me this Jubilee medal on that trip. I love the colors and the way the light shines through the Venetian glass. It reminds me of a special time in my life and in history, and is a sort of talisman of peace, given to me by a friend who thought of me when she was thousands of miles from home.

Other Jewelry Stories: here and here.

Jewelry Stories: Diamond Earrings

Shortly before my sister started dating her now-husband, she went through a rough patch with her singleness. Nothing was working out for her relationship-wise, and she felt understandably discouraged. Although I was married at the time, I'd never forgotten how tough it could be on the other side. I wanted to do something tangible to show her how valuable she was, and that she didn't have to wait for someday to enjoy the best things in life. So for Christmas, or her birthday (I can't remember which), I bought her a small pair of diamond earrings. I hoped she would remember every time she wore them that she was loved, regardless of whether a man ever chose her.

Fast forward to Christmas 2010. I was recently divorced and still piecing myself and my life back together. Debra and Lance, now married, gave me a pair of diamond earrings just like the ones I gave her years before. With the same message. I still wear them all the time, carrying my family's love with me.



(PS - I promise this series will not be a gallery of bling. These earrings are the most real bling I own.)

My Hope Ring

My favorite thing about jewelry is its history and meaning. Even when you buy it for yourself, it's often to celebrate an occasion. In this new series, I'll tell the stories of some of my most meaningful jewelry! The logical place to start is with my favorite piece - my Hope ring.

Sometime in 2002 (or 2003, I'm not sure), I was browsing the Pauline Catholic bookstore, probably for a gift for one of my Catholic BFFs. On my way to the register, I noticed a display of simple silver bands engraved with FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. They were clearly meant to be worn as a set. I loved the idea, but couldn't afford all three (I could barely afford milk at the time). After a few minutes' pondering, I decided on HOPE. I think my reasoning was that if I was going to wear one of the three graces, hope was the one I needed reminding of the most.

Well, I still need that constant reminder on my hand. In fact, if I ever get a tattoo, it should probably be hope-related.

Over the past ten-plus years, my Hope ring has symbolized so many different hopes. Some were fulfilled, some faded away, some came true and then untrue. Some still sit there, unchanged. But the ring is my common thread. It reminds me of the source of my hopes, and my ultimate hope. It's my talisman. It's not fancy or flashy, just solid and reliable. I can wear it everywhere and it never wears out.


But this I call to mind, 
and therefore I have hope: 
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 
his mercies never come to an end; 
they are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. 
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, 
“therefore I will hope in him.”
   - Lamentations 3:21-24