Today’s Jewelry Collection Story comes from Hannah of @georgie_the_magpie – we have followed each other for SO LONG, I almost feel like she is part of my family! Hannah is an art teacher and loves to foster creativity in people through painting, drawing, sculpting, anything hands-on. She is a mom of two humans and two dogs. “Georgie” is one of her King Charles cavaliers, which is the name of her Instagram handle. I featured her collection a few years ago on Instagram, so now we are doing an updated version over here on the blog – take it away, Hannah:
“I have been collecting jewelry since the age of 12. My first pieces were all gifts from my Grandparents and Parents. My collecting journey started with a fascination with rocks and minerals, which led to an interest in gemstones. In kindergarten we lived near Penn State University and their museum. I would stare in wonder at the gems in the glass cases. Now I am almost 41 so I have been collecting for quite a while! I still have the first pieces I was gifted- tiny pearl studs, an amethyst ring and a pearl tin-cup set.”
“Some of my favorite antique pieces to collect are; old diamonds, charms with engraving, bands that are my size and crosses. I really love a charming old cut diamond with wonky hand cut facets and a bit of warmth to it. New diamonds just cannot compare. I also think it’s magical to find a ring in my size or a piece with meaningful initials. Something about the connection to the past owner is really special to me. Wearing these pieces is a way to continue their stories – even if they are a mystery to me. I always wonder who they were. I love collecting crosses because of their symbolism and their classic design.”
“I am an art teacher and a lover of nature. Jewelry is the perfect juxtaposition of these two worlds. Each piece is like a tiny, wearable, work of art while the gemstones and precious metals represent my appreciation of our Earth. When looking at jewelry as a piece of art things like; color, craftsmanship, balance and attention to detail are important to me. One thing I love about collecting on Instagram is being able to connect directly with so many independent jewelers. Just chatting, learning more about their process or working on custom designs together is such an amazing experience. I have found such inspiring and genuine friends in this space.”
“My favorite places to find antique and vintage jewelry pieces are from Instagram, sellers and collectors who sell their personal collection pieces, Etsy, various auction sites and secondhand sites like Poshmark. I’ve found some incredible pieces and some duds this way- but the good pieces outweigh the bad!”
“I have a gold daffodil charm that has a lot of meaning. Last December my Dad was in the ICU and later passed away. He was an avid gardener and it’s a hobby we shared. That same November he had sneakily planted daffodil bulbs all over my garden. Denise at Manor Jewels just happened to post this charm in the midst of his hospital stay. It’s the only one she’s ever posted- it was meant to be with me. I quickly snapped it up. Now every Spring the daffodils bloom in my garden, reminding me of my Dad. For all the other days I can wear my charm as a reminder of him.”
“My most sentimental piece is the pearl tin cup necklace and bracelet set my Dad got me for my sweet 16. I still distinctly remember opening the box as he told me the story about choosing it for me. They are so classic I still wear both often! I also have a tiny 3 stone diamond charm my husband got me when we were dating in high school . He worked so hard to save up for it and I treasure it to this day.”
