So as you tell the story is all about a string of pearls. Many years ago the first person in my family to die was my dad's mum Rose. She passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly in hospital the day we were coming to take her home. For my grandfather Jack is was the loss of the woman he had shared his life with for over 50 years. One of the things which also happened that day was that he asked my mum, dad and I to sort through her clothes and jewellery which we all did with a heavy heart. Once we came to her jewellery box, my mum, lil sis and I sat down with my grandfather and he gave each of us a string of pearls as a lasting keepsake of my grandmother. I treasured those pearls in my jewellery box for a long time and didn't wear them until my parents bought me some matching pearl earrings for Christmas the following year.
At that time I was living in Cambridge, and my godmother was performing in an opera at Covent Garden so my parents and I went to see her perform. For such a glamorous occassion I wore my string of pearls and earrings for the first time. It was a wonderful event and on the way home on the train I clearly remember playing with my pearls and remeniscing about the day and my grandma. However, when I returned to my flat the pearls were gone, I hunted through my coat, clothing but to no avail. There then followed several emotional phone calls to the train service, the Royal Opera House and the taxi company but to no avail. The pearls were gone. As I'm sure you can imagine I was beside myself. I didn't know what to say to my dad especially and felt terrible about how special my pearls had been and so quickly had gone.
This story story does however have a happy ending. My mum told my other grandma what had happened and on the next visit home, my mum handed me a small package from my other grandma. Inside were the oldest and most delicate string of pearls I had ever seen. Surfise to say I was so overwhelmed I cried. These pearls have never been worn by me, and I know they should be, but I am so worried about losing them. They probably need restringing really but I don't have the heart to do that and risk them being damaged. So they live safely and happily in my jewellery box where they will remain. I do have a string of pearls which I bought for myself many moons ago and which I wear occasionally.
The story does not end sadly with regards to my grandma's other jewellery though as my grandpa actually gave me my grandma's wedding band and engagement ring which are also safe and sound and I wear occassionally to this day. One day these precious items will be passed on I hope to other generations of my extended family and friends.
Loved your story - and am so sorry you lost the original pearls - saved by your happy ending - I have a ring tht was my grandmothers - it is broken - and lives also in my jewel box - but sometimes I get it out and hold it - and then in my head I see my gran's hands with it on. Thanks for sharing your story today. J xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a story of highs and lows. I can understand why you don't wear your second beautiful necklace just in case :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your precious story with us. It's great that you're able to keep these jewels from your Grandma. Happy 2013. Cheers from Bordeaux, France
ReplyDeleteI think I would be afraid to wear them as well.Jo!!
ReplyDeleteA bitter sweet story indeed. I'm so sorry that the pearls slipped away from you and I'm not surprised that you keep the second set safely tucked away. Thanks for telling a perfect pearl of a story today Jo
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful story Jo. I too am sad you never found that original set, but how lovely that you were given the seconds. They are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your precious story. I can totally image how heart broken you were when they disappeared but how lovely of your other Grandma to give you a second set x
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad the original pearls were never found but glad that the story still has a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a shame that the original pearls were lost but I am pleased there was a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteOh I could feel the panic and despair at the loss of the first string, so glad your grandfather forgave you and entrusted you with other pieces. What a lovely gift from your other grandmother too, not surprised you keep them tucked away safely tho. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, it is a bittersweet story but has a happy ending. The first set of pearls might have broken where they were attached to the catch and you didn't feel them slipping away.
ReplyDeleteIts a wonderfully told story for all it's bittersweet nature. I'd have been crying on the phone to the train & taxi people too.
ReplyDeleteYou must have been devastated but thankfully, they were replaced. Such a precious story with a happy outcome.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine how upset you must have been at the loss of the precious pearls. I'd be keeping the other set safe too. A lovely thing to have.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story . . . I treasure all my heirloom jewelry.
ReplyDeleteI am so loving all these precious stories.
Rinda
That's so sad that you only got to wear the pearls once, I can see why you keep the others tucked away safely. My dad bought me a silver ring for my 17th birthday, which had a dangly pearl attached and had something like 'my heart belongs to the sea' inscribed on it. I lost it not long after and I miss it so much, and I always keep an eye on ebay etc in case someone sells one as they weren't unique, I think it was from Debenhams. My Dad's pretty annoyed I lost it too! x
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story Jo. I can totally understand why you don't want to risk wearing the other pearls. It was so great of your other Grandmother giving you them. Your story makes me think of my Grandmother's ring that I have never worn.
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