I wish I could say I have an heirloom. Any heirloom. the surprise necklace
If you can believe it there is nothing in my family that has a history or sentimental value.
Apparently for the past three generations nobody on either side of my family has ever owned any jewelry. No grandma’s pearls, no mother’s diamond ring. Once I was told that my grandfather’s older sister, from Turkish ancestors, wore a beautiful gold hair ornament made of chains and coins. It sounded a bit too gypsy for my taste, but I would have been honored to wear it. But my grandfather’s sister lived far away and I never met her.
My great-grandmother had left, as only legacy, a black lace veil she wore to church on Sundays. My cousin received it and treasures with withn her life. I would have wished to wear it, but black was totally out of tune for the occasion.
If anybody had kept my great-grandmother’s wedding veil that would have been a dream come true. But no, there was nothing for me to wear. the surprise necklace
My “something old” was a lace handkerchief I’ve had since I was 12. That was the oldest thing I could find.
So, the jewelry would have to be my “something new”.
And, as I didn’t have too much money, my jewelry had to be fake. I bought a set of “pearl” necklace and earrings online, but they looked like plastic. Since you can’t see the quality in the pictures anyway they would have to do. I tried them on with my wedding dress and they only convinced me so-so, but I figured they would work as Plan B if I didn’t find anything better.
Then, surprise! When my contract in China ended and it was time for me to go back home, my boss and colleagues gave me a good-bye present: a beautiful necklace and bracelet to match.
I was proud to wear them on my big day, as a token of the new friends I’d made abroad, that stood by me during the months of waiting and planning and that I will never forget.