The earliest known jewelry with gemstones is dated back to 25,000 years ago! That is incredible! Can you imagine being one of the first people to find beauty in a rough gemstone and then, to have the vision of it being so much more if it could be shaped, cut, and polished? I wonder what they thought when they saw the light dance around the gemstone and sparkle back? I wonder what they thought of the rich blue color of Sapphire or the deep red of Ruby? We do know a few things for sure, they held these jewels in high regard and value. We know that they sought to find better cutting and polishing methods throughout the years because they knew there was a treasure of color and sparkle within waiting to come out. But, the jewel could only be revealed through a series of cutting, grinding, sanding, faceting, and polishing.
When we wear our jewelry, it’s easy to forget how that jewel came to be on your hand. We see the finished product and admire the beauty, but there is often a disconnect. I think that is true of most things, and I don’t admonish anyone for it because we often just don’t know the hard work it takes to create and bring forth beauty. The same goes for people. We see someone who seems to have it all or have life figured out, and we conjure this idea that it all came easy to them and that they were given something that I wasn’t. Very often, these are the people who have said and done great things, and whether by word or deed, they have met you in your dark times and helped shape you by teaching, leading, or encouraging.
As we wear our jewelry as a connection to ourselves, let us also remember that we are who we are because of the “jewels” in our life. The people we look up to, the ones we admire have been in the dirt, pulled out only to be cut and shaped by hammers, and when they didn’t break, they stood tall with the light shining through them and their many facets directing the light to shine onto others. We have been taught, led, and encouraged by people who have struggled, and became jewels through the process. Whether these jewels are people we know, public figures, or historical figures, they have spurred us on to be better versions ourselves. When you wear your jewelry, may you be reminded that you are not alone, and hope is not lost. May you be reminded that “…people don’t become great because everything worked out” (Rob Bell), and may you be strengthened by the Jewels in your life knowing you are becoming one too.
(These Pink Tourmaline earrings are from Debra Navarro Jewelry. Debra creates uniquely beautiful jewelry with stories interwoven in each design. Let me know if you want to see her pieces in my private showroom!)