Dearest Ancestors - for the seat at the table©

“When my daughter was starting her own business, I wanted to give her something that showed how much I believed in her. I chose the Emerald Garden ring as a reminder of the community behind her vision and the people who love her, support her, and want to see her grow.

Its beautiful, distinctive design made it feel like a gift especially for her. More than anything, I wanted her to look at it on the difficult days and remember she wasn’t doing this alone. That’s what made it such a meaningful gift: it gave me a way to say something I hoped she would carry with her.”

“I wasn’t looking for a particular message when I chose the Whole Worlds ring. I loved its distinctive Art Deco design. It had a timeless beauty I hadn’t found at mall jewelers. Supporting a small business that puts thought and intention into its work mattered to me, too. I wanted my money to support something I believed in.

Over time, the meaning behind the ring became a lens through which I saw my own experiences. I kept finding new connections to it. Years later, it’s still beautiful, but it means much more to me now than when I first chose it. It’s become something I hope to pass down.”

When I first opened the (Dearest Ancestors - Gold Vermeil) necklace, I honestly froze. It's one of those pieces you have to take a moment to absorb. I have had it for two years, and it wear it nearly everyday.

I met Lilian and saw her collection at one of her markets. As she shared the story behind her jewelry, something in me just stopped. It felt like the grief I’d been carrying so quietly was finally safe to come to the surface. “Freedom comes with losses.’ was the ring that stuck me. I’d never heard anyone put words to what I have been feeling so perfectly. Divorce is painful. Freedom doesn’t come without a cost. Sometimes it asks you to let go of the life you thought you’d have. Now I wear the beautiful ring to remind myself that freedom is still worth choosing if I had to do it all over again. I left with a piece of jewelry, but more importantly, I left with a piece of myself.

It was an accident that I ran into the Lilian Brightly collections being showcased inside a coffee shop one evening. She shattered my soul in a good way. She gave me permission to hurt in the bone deep chilling way that makes you wonder if things will ever be okay. Etched in Bone - who doesn’t have regrets - was for my miscarriage. She even delivered the final piece to my door. I cried all over again when I saw the completed piece in the ring box. And I look up to see Lilian crying with me. I will never forget that moment.