I have this theory that you can tell a whole lot about a person by the sentimental jewellery they wear. Fashion pieces are one thing, but the charms and trinkets we choose to wear close day after day tend to hold a little more significance. Just as wedding bands and engagement rings are rich with meaning and symbolism, so too are our other daily accessories when we stop to consider why we love them.
Here are my three necklaces – literally the only three in my wardrobe – and some thoughts on what they say about me.
A little hammered gold arrow reminding me to keep moving forwards and keep things simple, OMCH is a gloriously minimal British brand, with a refreshingly simple ethos & style. I love that they promote jewellery for life as an antidote to ‘fast fashion’ – an idea I’ve long held and often felt completely alone in.
It’s often the only addition to my super simple outfits like a navy COS dress or soft grey trousers & a white linen tee. A welcome reminder that less-is-more, to keep on paring back.
I wrote about this necklace and the makers when I first got it a few years back. It’s still as beloved: the brass has aged & the twine is messier now, with a couple of knots where Orla has snapped it (long necklaces & tit-obsessed toddlers do not mix). There’s a gentle balance between nature inspirations & modern, stylised design that fits my aesthetic pretty perfectly. That, plus the flowers represent bluebells, which are one of my annual faves.
R bought me this for my 30th birthday from a glowing-windowed boutique down a tiny street in Paris. That memory alone – a tiny Orla strapped to my back, cheeks and nose burning from the November cold outside – is enough to imbue this treasure with a lifetime of sentiment. But the design has meaning for me too – again that fusion of nature with simplicity, the new and the classic.
What’s in your sentimental jewellery stash, and what does it say about you? You can tell me in the comments, or better yet, post to Instagram, your blog or twitter and show me! I’d love to collect some stories together for a bit of a project!
PS – Oh My Clumsy Heart are currently offering 20% off new arrivals with code SUMMER20 – check here.
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January 12, 2023
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kirsty_garry
June 12, 2016
This is such a lovely post. In my early twenties all I would wear was cheap costume jewellery that would turn green, so over the past few years I’ve made a conscious effort to only buy pieces I love that will last. I also have a necklace by OMCH, I really love the philosophy of the store too. I actually found your blog today from Sophie’s blog and have been going through all your older posts 🙂 x
Charlotte {theteapotexplodes}
May 31, 2016
I wear a lot of my mother’s jewellery that she has passed on to me. My father (although we no longer speak) was a gemologist and gave my mother some beautiful things while they were married. I’ve bought myself an antique ring and a couple of other small items but each piece is precious to me in a different way. Beautiful post, Sara! x
Silvia [Milk on Friday]
May 30, 2016
Loved reading the stories behind your forever jewellery. And I also really like that I find myself collecting forever jewellery too, now that I’ve become a little bit older. 😉 There are heirloom pieces and newer ones that both hold a similar value. One ring with a blue stone that I inherited from my grandmother, a similar ring with a rose stone that my boyfriend gave me. Similar, but different and precious none the less. <3
Desi van Waterschoot
May 29, 2016
I absolutely think the same about jewelry! I have a necklace that was from my grandma and a ring that my dad bought for my mummy in Thailand. I wear these two golden pieces everyday and they tell so much about me. xoxo
Suzie
May 29, 2016
My daughter bought me some tiny silver bird ear studs with her pocket money for my birthday 4 years ago from a local market. They’ve not left my ears since!
Jo King
May 29, 2016
My wedding band is my most sentimental. It’s a super plain platinum band that has my lovely husband’s fingerprint hand engraved on it. I wanted something that was unique to him….doesn’t get much more unique than that!