Preserving Memories

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“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.”

~Jeremy Irons

One of the niches that I have found in my jewelry-making is in preserving the memories of loved ones.

There are all sorts of treasures to be found in most women’s jewelry boxes. And when people learn that I am willing to tackle the challenge of creating a piece of jewelry from some existing pieces, particularly if it involves upcycling jewels into new, exciting and wearable works of art, they are always bringing me their jewel-box bounty.

Usually, the loved one is a mother, aunt or grandmother. But this summer I found myself preserving the memory of a cherished pet.

I had an article published in a national magazine targeted to the women of Delta Dela Delta. Upon the publication of that article, I received an email from Nancy in Mississippi. The only thing that we have in common is that we are both members of the same sorority, but from vastly different eras and universities. However, we immediately had a connection. I guess that is sisterhood for you.

I came to find out that she was most interested in my use of gemstones for their healing properties. I have no training in this other than a few books and an internet connection, but this idea spoke volumes to her. One of the first pieces I ever made was a quite ambitious charm bracelet with about 100 dangles of various gemstones for my college roommate who suffered from breast cancer. I wanted her to know that I was praying for her and wishing her good health whenever she wore it. And it is clearly very interesting to read about all the possibilities that each stone harbors. I like possibilities.

When I saw Nancy’s dog, Riley, I had a gasp of recognition. For Riley looked exactly like my beloved Schnauzer Madison who had died back in December of 2005. Riley had been sick at the end of his life, and that devastated Nancy. I knew that I would be keeping the memory of Riley alive with this piece of jewelry created just for her, as well as helping her move forward.

Nancy sent me a strand of light green aventurine with tiny but beautiful faceted emeralds that she had had made into a collar for Riley specifically for the healing factors. According to The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, aventurine “stabilizes one’s state of mind, stimulates perception, and enhances creativity…Green aventurine is a comforter and heart healer, and general harmonizer, protecting the heart.” I could think of no better wish for this piece to bring to Nancy.

To her beady treasure trove, I added turquoise nuggets, labradorite chunks and sterling silver spacers. Using my newfound mad-skills at metal-working (I love it, but I am quite a novice! Luckily, Nancy didn’t seem to mind…) I hand-fabricated a clasp using sterling silver sheet, texturized and formed into a cuff component with a hole for a toggle, and stamped with the following:

So full of knowing
1993-2009

That way if she wanted to explain what that meant, she could. But she didn’t want an overt memorial to Riley, just a beautiful and heartfelt remembrance.

I added a little charm that reads “namaste,” which is a common yogic greeting meaning “I honor the Divine within you.” Riley held a place of honor in Nancy’s life and this is a perfect word to sum that relationship up.

I rather like how the bracelet turned out, but more importantly, is how Nancy felt about her one-of-a-kind work of art.

“Just wanted to let you know again how very much I’m enjoying “Riley’s bracelet”…it is very special. I get compliments on it all the time.”

And preserving that memory just does my heart good.

Have you ever created something to make a memory last?
Do tell!

If you like what Erin Prais-Hintz has to say, and would like to read more, please stop by her blog http://treasures-found.blogspot.com and tell her what you think or check out a gallery of her work at her website www.tesoritrovati.com.