Jen's antique star ring shown with my modern ring from the Victorian inspired collection, Lucky Star.

A milestone : 100 blog posts.  In the two years since I began publishing posts, I remain true to the goal of chronicling this journey, creativity sharing my story, and becoming part of yours.   

Jewelry is more than precious metal and gemstones, it is an emotive connection to your heart and your soul.  Chapters of your life, worn in layers as adornment, an open expression of your style.  For me, this blog, 100 posts, has always been about : jewelry, people, and stories.  To commemorate this milestone, I want to share a special story of a friend and fellow collector with you.

Months before I launched the AK Legacy campaign I was inspired through the exchange of rings with my friend, Jen Lord.  Jen and I had bonded over our mutual affection for antique jewelry, (specifically eternity bands, the Victorian star motif, and the "one finger stack") as well as mid-century modern furniture and honeymooning in New Zealand, which gave us a lot more than jewels to talk about.  

Jen has been a collector of antique jewelry for more than a decade and occasionally she will convert, or sell a piece from her own personal collection in an etsy shop as a hobby that fuels her passion.  When she told me she was selling a ring given to her by her sweetheart as a birthday present, I wanted to wear her ring in my stack while honoring our new friendship.  It is then we instantly became part of one's story, a shared chapter in our lives.

Jen's White Gold Diamond Eternity Band

On May 31, 2015, Jen and Nick whom have been dating for a few years, are having a lovely Sunday running errands, walking around their beautiful city of Victoria, Canada, as they often do.  Nick suggested they retreat to their "secret spot" near the ocean, a five minute walk from their downtown home called Mermaid Wharf, to enjoy the view.  

As any collector knows, it is worrisome to own a treasure from a loved one you cannot proudly wear.  The diamond eternity ring (shown above) was sold to Nick as a size 6, which was her size, and Nick knew that Jen loved eternity bands, and as April baby, it is also her birthstone - the perfect birthday gift!  

But after jamming it on her fingers, stacking it up, and trying to make his sweet gesture fit, Jen (nervously) took the opportunity to bring up the fact that the ring he had purchased for her birthday just didn't fit, it was not a size 6, and she would have to sell.  

Here, in Jen's words, she recounts the moment for us...

"We were talking about things, as you do, and I was like: "you know that ring you got me, well I think I am going to have to sell it… I feel really bad, but it is just too small, I am sorry…"

The beautiful couple Nick & Jen, moments after their engagement on May 31, 2015

Jen feels deeply that stars are symbolic of hope and faith in following your path.  They sparkle in bright adversity and are born of fire and energy.  They are the light that guides us, even in the darkness.  So, I was honored that she chose my modern Lucky Star ring in white gold to represent this new chapter in her life and our friendship, with Nick's seal of approval, of course.   

Below is the many ways we have both worn our rings, in our favorite style of mixing metals and stacking 'em up!  Enjoy.  

Jen's engagement ring worn with an all white stack.  Lucky Star at the top.

Jen's eternity band in the center of my Lucky Star rings, in a trio of gold, my favorite way to mix metals.

My Lucky Star ring with a mixed metal stack, love this simple look!

Rosey Golds, with white accents on a casual, comfortable day.  Mixing modern, vintage, and antique rings.

Jen's recent snake addition, and her fav stars..

Me, drafting this post, in my lucky stars and eternity bands.

Do you have a great story about rings you'd love to share, or hope to commemorate your next chapter in life with something from my collection?  I'd love to hear more, please reach out to me and share your story through the AK Legacy campaign, after all, this story was the inspiration, and who knows what your story will inspire...