Family Jewels

We have a bride in our family this year.  

That means we -- my sister Peggy and I --
take The Lavalier out of the safe deposit box. . .

. . . we look at it, remember which family brides wore it,

remember when we wore it on our own wedding days,

and hope our latest bride will wear it, too.

 It's not the most beautiful piece of jewelry in the world, although it is so very

evocative of its Edwardian origins.  It's not terribly valuable, except in sentimental coinage.

My daughter Alida would be the fourth generation to wear it.

She's never seen it, so she'll have to look at it and decide if it goes with her dress.

Do you see that it needs repair?

It's clearer in this picture:

The cross piece under the pearl has come detached.

I will bring it to a jeweler; this is not going to be one of my D-I-Y projects!

It needs a new chain.  This gold chain is very nice, but it's modern, and too thick for the pendant.

The original chain, which was as thin and delicate as a strand of hair,

and in the same pinkish-gold as the lavalier, is no longer with it.

Neither Peggy nor I know who last wore this on her wedding day.

Our Mom would know, but it's too late to ask her.

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On this warm and sunny Wednesday, I think I'll have lunch with my sister-in-law Phyllis, and then go visit Peggy, where her grandson-twins are still in residence.  And because I love you, here are two pictures of The Boys:

Mr. Calvin, amongst his toys, rocking the preppy look.

Mr. Luke, also preppy in blue, chasing Cheerios on his tray.  Love the bare piggies.

 Yes, my grand-nephews are also Family Jewels, and far more precious than gold.

As for our family lavalier, and our family bride, I won't push Alida to wear it;
she needs to make up her own mind, wear what makes her feel good, feel happy, feel like a bride.  

As I recall, Peggy and I didn't get -- or expect -- any choice in the matter.

Our Mom said, "Here's your grandmother's lavalier; put it on."  And we did. 

Ah, the good old days of parenting!  -- Cass

PS ... There are other brides who have opted not to wear the lavalier -- it's okay.
And it's not bad luck to not wear it -- there are no superstitions attached.

That we know of . . . . (cue spooky music here.)