Turquoise is probably one of my favorite stones. I love that color, a lot! I developed this found affection in my childhood as I went to Rock Shows as a little girl. My Grandpa Beattie worked with gems and would go to shows to sell his jewelry and such. I loved looking at geodes, rock book ends, and most of all turquoise. If my memory serves me correctly my Grandpa usually had a large rock of polished turquoise on his finger, my Grandma wore cool necklaces. When they passed away, my mom and her brothers received the remainders. It was always fun rummaging around and looking at the stones and settings. My mom had this cool spoon ring in her collection…I just had to have it. I love it, love it, love it – forever!
Later in my life, I visited my brother Eric in Jackson Hole, WY during the summer after his senior year. He worked in a fun store with a section of jewelry. I remember trying on the great bracelets and thinking to myself, I am going to work here someday too. So of course that is just what I set out to do and accomplished. I talked two of my friends into working with me in Jackson the summer after our senior year. No need to even tell this, but I got to work in the jewelry sections of the store, the shortcut name on the job charts or lingo in the store was “turquoise”. You know I loved that. I was a buffing queen! I buffed and shined silver and tried on as many expensive pieces as I could. I felt right at home behind the counter, perhaps it was in my blood.
I couldn’t make it a profession, working there in Jackson. Too many days working on Sunday and I did have an education to continue, so I moved after Labor Day to go back to school. A year later, I got engaged to this amazing guy who just had come home from a mission and had 0 money! My mom showed him the wedding ring she inherited from my grandma and offered to donate 3 diamonds for the cause. My Uncle Morgan (took after my Grandpa Beattie in the jewelry department and makes it for a hobby) took the diamonds and set them in the setting I picked out. Stacie, Stephen’s sister, loaned Stephen the $300 it cost (which of course was a darn good deal!). I now get the honor wearing this ring – and people say I’m not sentimental!
After getting married I got to know Stephen’s grandmother – Elaine. You really KNEW where you stood with her – I liked that (most of the time). When Stephen first introduced me to her and told her we were getting married she said, “You’re marrying her?” I wish I could add inflection of voice through typing! I was pretty much scared of her for a few years, but I will readily admit now that I grew to love her as much as my own grandma! She was a special lady who left her mark wherever she went. On several occasions, I complimented her on the cool turquoise necklace that she wore. She was so proud to tell me all about how her son, Tom, had given it to her. After her passing, I was fortunate enough to get to take this piece of her home with me. Today I wore the cool, turquoise, bear necklace. It made me happy all day long! I treasure it not only because it is turquoise, but because it is a tangible piece of someone I loved – just like my rings!
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 My hair has had a long day, but my necklace looks great! |
Comments:
Mom and Dad Parker said…
You wear it well. We also love the memories of things that were valuable to others. Thanks for sharing these special stories and feelings.
Sunday, February 08, 2009 1:18:25 AM
Magan said…
Love this post, I too have been blessed with jewelry from my grandmothers and yours. I love the jewelry for it’s beauty but truly cherish the memory of the exquisite women before me.
Sunday, February 08, 2009 7:42:01 PM
Patricia said…
Jodi, I am so glad you are my daughter. I love you so much! You make me so happy! XOXO Mom
Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:24:12 AM