When my mother immigrated from Germany to America, like so many others, she could only bring a few treasures with her.

One of them was a beautiful belt buckle from her Grandmother, and when she showed it to me as a little girl, I was entranced.

Then, sadly, years later, it became mine.

All in all, it sat unworn in a box for at least 50 years.
Then one day I realized I could reinvent it.

A very talented and artistic friend had begun making beautiful jewelry, so I showed her the buckle and a *coral necklace from my grandmother’s as well.*

It was made many, many years before using coral was prohibited.

My friend added other complementary beads and a magnetic clasp, and
now, when I wear this necklace, I feel close to my mother once again.

When a client shows me her box of jewelry treasures, I often make suggestions on how she can wear and treasure them.

Sometimes a necklace can be made using old pins, buckles, earrings, etc.

Other times, I suggest connecting unworn matching bracelets and short necklaces to be worn as longer necklaces.

Take a little time to look at your forgotten jewelry, and see how some pieces can be worn now, as is, or reinvented.

Just three days ago, my second granddaughter was born, and I can’t wait to pass my treasures to her and her sister. I feel close to my mother every time I wear her jewelry, and I want them to have that too.