It’s Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year. Right now, I’m in the middle of hosting—cooking, setting the table, and soaking up the rhythm of traditions that make this day so special. While I’ll never say no to a second helping of turkey and stuffing, this holiday has always been about more than food. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and savor the connections that make life meaningful.
As I’ve been preparing for today, I’ve been thinking about the many ways we show gratitude. Sometimes it’s through words, but often it’s a gesture or a token that speaks louder—something tangible and lasting, like jewelry.
Friendship Bracelets: Then and Now
Do you remember friendship bracelets back in middle school? Trading those knotted little treasures was such a simple, heartfelt way of saying, “Thanks for being you.” We wore them until they disintegrated. Did everyone make their own, or was that just at my artsy, DIY Quaker school?
Lately, friendship bracelets have made a comeback, thanks to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Fans have been creating and exchanging bracelets inspired by one of her songs.
Jewelry has a way of capturing feelings we can’t put into words. It’s a way to say “thank you” that lasts, turning emotions into something you can hold onto.
Jewelry and Gratitude: Stories and Symbols
Jewelry has long been tied to gratitude. Here are a few examples inspiring me:
Posy Rings: Poetry in Every Detail
When I first heard about posy rings, I thought they might have something to do with posy flowers—so naturally, I was intrigued! But it turns out they’re even better. The name comes from the French word poésie, meaning poetry. Each has an inscription that turns the ring into a secret, wearable verse. These rings, popular during the Renaissance, were engraved with short, heartfelt phrases like “Forget me not” or “You have my heart.”
What I love most about posy rings is their intimacy. Often, the messages were hidden inside the band, making them deeply personal—a little secret carried close to the skin. I often incorporate similar hidden details in my own jewelry—perhaps an inscription of blessing scribed beneath a gemstone or a design element that quietly reveals itself over time.
Omamori Charms: Tokens of Gratitude and Protection
Japanese aesthetics have always fascinated me—the way they balance simplicity, intention, and meaning. Omamori charms are a perfect example. These small, sacred amulets are made of embroidered fabric and carry prayers or blessings for health, love, or success.
Traditionally given as tokens of protection, omamori are deeply personal gestures of gratitude. What I find most moving is their quiet beauty—they’re small, unassuming, and yet so full of care and intention.
Amulets: The Magic of Protection and Connection
As a child, I had a fascination with miniature bottles. To me, they were magical—tiny vessels that could hold wishes, secrets, or dreams. When I began making jewelry at 14, that same sense of wonder carried over, and amulets became some of the first pieces I created. I loved the idea of making something small but powerful, filled with intention. Some were gifts for people I loved, designed to hold their wishes.
Amulets have always held a special place in the history of jewelry. In Ancient Egypt, scarabs and heart-shaped charms were worn as symbols of loyalty and protection, carrying prayers or intentions for the wearer. What fascinates me most about amulets is their timelessness—they’ve always been more than just objects.
People often ask about the difference between amulets and talismans, and I think it’s fascinating. Amulets are meant to protect—like shields, chosen for their inherent qualities. Talismans, on the other hand, are more active, meant to attract something specific, like love, luck, or success, and are often charged with personal energy or rituals.
Lockets: Tiny Keepsakes of Gratitude
Lockets have a special place in Western jewelry traditions, particularly during the Victorian era. These intricate pieces were designed to hold something personal—a photo, a lock of hair, or a tiny note—and became symbols of love, memory, and gratitude.
From a goldsmith’s perspective, what interests me most about lockets is their technical intricacy. Crafting a hinge that is both functional and seamless requires patience, precision, and skill. As a hand-fabricator, I admire the artistry involved in bringing these tiny, functional works of art to life.
While I don’t often create lockets, I appreciate their ability to hold beauty, meaning, and memories in a way that feels deeply personal. They remind me that jewelry is not just about adornment—it’s about telling stories and honoring connections.
Gems of Gratitude: Pink Tourmaline and More
When I think about gratitude in jewelry, certain gemstones immediately come to mind for their symbolism and beauty. Pink tourmaline is one of my favorites. I first touched on this gem in my blog on October birthstones, where it’s mentioned as an alternate to opal. Often called the “stone of compassion,” pink tourmaline is thought to inspire love, connection, and heartfelt appreciation.
The pink tourmaline I work with comes from Brazil, and I have a trusted gem dealer who travels there regularly. Twice a year, he calls me when he’s back in town to share his latest finds. It’s always an event—a meeting filled with trays of gorgeous stones, lively conversations, and the excitement of discovering something new. Now that I’m in Santa Fe, he even makes a point to visit me here, keeping our long-standing connection alive.
Other gratitude-inspired stones I often work with include:
- Citrine: You may remember reading about citrine in my blog on November birthstones. This golden-hued gem is a natural choice for expressing joy and abundance. Its versatility in the studio makes it a delight to work with, whether paired with silver for a soft look or gold for bold, radiant designs. (Read it here: Citrine Blog)
- Smoky Quartz: Known for its grounding energy, smoky quartz encourages mindfulness and reflection—qualities that naturally invite gratitude.
- Rose Quartz: If you’ve ever opened one of my packages, you may have found a little rose quartz heart tucked inside—a quiet thank-you for supporting my work. At the Tucson Gem Show, amidst all the multi-million-dollar stones, my favorite hunt is often for these small, carved gems. They’re tiny treasures that perfectly embody the gentle, unconditional love rose quartz symbolizes.
A Season of Thanks and Giving
Jewelry has a unique way of capturing gratitude. Over the years, I’ve seen clients choose pieces to honor friendships, celebrate milestones, or thank themselves for their own resilience.
As we move into the holidays, I feel so much gratitude for all of you who support my work. Your trust and connection allow me to keep growing and creating.
If you’re thinking about gifts for loved ones—or for yourself—this is the perfect time to explore jewelry that tells a story. Whether it’s a custom design or a gemstone with symbolic power, I’d love to help you find something as unique and special as the person it’s for.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Wishing you a warm, meaningful Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with connection, gratitude, and just a little sparkle.
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