We are back with this month’s Jewelry Collection Story and it comes from Nathalie whom I discovered on Instagram! She has been posting eye-catching and droolworthy images of her personal collection, including her incredible and rare antique ring case collection. It was awesome to see that she found my #JewelryRoadTrip to Ohio alluring enough to buy two of the rings I featured–I love when people are able to connect that way with items that I showcase, it is honestly why I started the #JewelryRoadTrip project in the first place! I had to know more about her and her story, as well as see first-hand her gorgeous collection. Take it away Nathalie:
My journey with jewelry began with a 24K yellow gold bracelet. It was a Sweet Sixteen birthday gift from my mother, my first jewelry piece from her – and I was disappointed. At that age, I was hoping for new clothes, new shoes, or the latest coolest CD player. I thanked my mother and tucked it away because I thought yellow gold was for old ladies. Every year after that, she continued to bestow yellow gold to me on my birthdays. They came in the form of more bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. Each time, I would thank her, put away the pieces, and never wear them.
On my 21st birthday, after receiving another piece of yellow gold jewelry it finally occurred to me to ask my mother why she chose this as my annual gift over other things. To this she replied, “When you were 7 months old, your father and I had to escape our mother country (Vietnam) and when we arrived to our new country (France), I had to sell my jewelry in order to get things like food.” And she kept on talking and sharing. And I felt shame for being ungrateful, heartbreak for the hardships my parents endured. I also started to see and love my mother in a whole new light. She is my Wonder Woman. And this was also the day I truly fell in love with jewelry and became a collector.
A while back, there was a question floating around in the Instagram world asking “Does jewelry make you a better person?” To that I say “Yes, it does!” It can lift your spirits up, it can create a bond between people, it can commemorate the loss of a loved one, or punctuate a special occasion. Sometimes it is just downright magical. If you are reading this blog, then I am sure you have chased or currently chasing some unicorn in the form of a ring, bracelet, necklace, or earrings.
I look for treasures in all kinds of places: at my local shops, fairs, and online (eBay, Etsy, Ruby Lane). Collecting has its ebbs and flows. I have gone years without buying a single piece, and other times when that is all I can think about! What attracts me also seems to have its cycles which is why I rarely part with any of my pieces. I am an equal bling opportunist, but I tend to gravitate towards rings. I do think I am at a point where I need to par down a bit to make room for some new fabulous pieces. Discovering the Instagram community truly enriched my knowledge and appreciation for past and current jewelry, in addition to making some lovely connections with others who understand this passion.
When I became a mom two and half years ago, I started daydreaming about what stories I would share with my daughter. Every time I bring out my jewelry to play she is always by my side asking to play along. It is so fun to see her light up as I let her try on my pieces. Little does she know that she is already the owner of something very special. When she had turned one month old my mother had gifted her the sweetest 24K gold bracelet. And there will be many more treasures waiting for her.
WANT MORE? Check out the other Jewelry Collection Stories
You can follow Nathalie –> @NathaliesDesk
