Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.
It has always been a tradition in my family to receive a special piece of jewelry for special birthdays or celebrations. Fairly typical, some small studs for a first birthday, a nice cross for your baptism. This year (E) is making her First Holy Communion. It was postponed by our church until September (perfect for us) because of the pandemic.
I had heard of the “add a pearl” necklace from a sister in law of mine. I thought it was such a sweet tradition I wanted to do it for our daughter. I didn’t want to order one though from the internet (although you can), I wanted to be sure of the quality and as you know, I like to keep our spending local.
In case you don’t know the tradition here it is. You gift a young woman in your life a necklace with a few starter pearls, your choice 1,3,5,7 whatever. Odd numbers are best because symmetry is more pleasing to the eye. From that day on, for special holidays or birthdays etc, you can add a pearl or two. She can wear it throughout the process, and it grows with her (SOB). The goal is to have a full strand by her wedding day. Then she wears it on the special event. My daughter being sentimental, but super opinionated on style, I would be happy if she wore it for her bridal shower or something special if not on the big day (that is IF she chooses to marry). This tradition makes me so happy. I am a big lover of pearls (they are so classic)
Where did I head to? Straight to Bourghol Brothers to see Andrew. He knew exactly what I was talking about and helped me pick the pearl size, how many, and the chain to put them on. (E) is a huge fan of yellow gold so we went with that (I guess it’s back in style?). He told me that he would be done with it in about 2 weeks. 2 WEEKS!! Now I have to hold on to it and not let the cat out of the bag for 3 months!!!
With the necklace we gave her the following poem, which has been adapted from one I found by: Linda Winchell during a google search.
An Oyster first forms a pearl
from a single grain of sand
It’s never placed inside by mistake you see
it was placed by God’s loving hand.
God places these grains of sand in our lives
as a way for us to learn.
To form the pearls that we need to form
to place in the crowns, which we’ve earned.
Emmie ADORED it, and family members loved it so much that they added to it as part of her gift! It was easy to do, we just brought it back to Andrew, he picked out the matching pearls, added them and called us when it was time to pick up!
