Monday, January 12, 2009

Blue Monday: Great-Grandmother's Necklace

For this week's Blue Monday, I thought I'd put up some shots of all my blue jewelry. But once I started looking through my jewelry box, you know what I found? I don't really have any blue jewelry!

Except for this necklace. It's made of open gold metal links alternating with solid links which are painted a very pretty turquoise blue, with little raised patterns in them (I know all that's very hard to see from these photos). The ends are braided gold metal, topped by little filigree caps and small pearls. I'm not sure how "real" the gold is.
















This photo shows the detail a little closer up.
















I don't think I've ever worn this necklace. It belonged to my grandmother, and it was passed on to her by her mother (at least that's the story I got from my own mother). I don't know how old it is, but my grandmother was born in 1902. My cousin MLB is a much better family historian than I am – she probably knows much more of the necklace's story. I believe she has the matching earrings. I don't have kids of my own, so the necklace will eventually go to my cousin and her daughter.

We don't have many heirlooms in our family. Those pioneer Texas families didn't leave a lot to pass on to their children (and my great-grandmother had thirteen siblings). So I feel very lucky to have this piece. And whenever I look at it, I'm always amazed, and a little saddened, at how quickly families can lose track of each other.

Please visit Smiling Sally's blog for more Blue Monday offerings.

14 comments:

  1. What a great treasure you have from your family...you should wear it...your grandmother would want you to enjoy it! Beautiful!

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  2. You might not have many treasures, but this is a special one indeed! It's lovely, and you should wear it to show off! Happy Blue Monday.

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  3. what a lovely treasure... and isn't it funny how styles come in and go out... your necklace is back in style, and bet your grandmother would smile down on you for wearing it today. I think treasures are best enjoyed when they are used...

    have a blissful blue monday. Dixie

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  4. It's neat that you have the necklace. It must be precious to you.

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  5. Joy--- I've bought some turquoise before when I visited Santa Fe. That looks like a gorgeous necklace. BUT--the best thing about it is that it was your grandmother's. How Special...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. That is a pretty necklace in itself, but so much more special because of who it came from. I hope you do wear it some time.

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  7. What a unique necklace and wonderful treasure to have from your grandmother! Happy Blue Monday to you!

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  8. What a special piece of jewelry, made even more precious being from your Grandmother's collection. Its simply stunning...lucky girl! :-)

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  9. Pretty and what a special treasure!

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  10. Joy, I love the necklace, and I also love the way it ends in those neat tassels. Love them! Your grandmother would definitely want you to enjoy it.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  11. How nice that you have a family heirloom. Happy Blue Monday!
    Sweetie

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  12. What a treasure,and you are so right...about families! Enjoy you piece and your memories!

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  13. Happy Blue Monday! Love your blue necklace...what a treasure!

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  14. What a lovely treasure your blue necklace is. You really should wear it...Happy belated Blue Monday and have a lovely week.

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