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When my grandmother died 2 years ago she left behind an estate that included a few parcels of land in the province and some personal items. Some of the stuff she left behind were priceless Filipino dresses (she was a staunch nationalist) and antique jewelry. The dresses have been kept and have piqued the interest of some serious collectors and some museums. However, they’re staying put with our family. Maybe in time I’ll get to wear them but so far, there are no occasions that merit such formal dress.
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In the case of her jewelry, only a few were left behind. Some of them she already gave away when she was still living. Some pieces just simply disappeared. Nobody in the family knows who got them or where they went. The few pieces that were left behind were given to me for safe-keeping. I was also tasked to have them repaired, cleaned, and replated so as to restore them to their former glory.
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I brought them to my fave jeweler and after a few months at her workshop they were ready for pick-up. My aunts immediately asked me to pick out the pieces which I wanted because they said that I deserved to have a memento from my “Lola” (grandma) for serving her well during her dying days. I chose only 2 items…only because I liked their color.
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Without really thinking about their value, I chose these 2 pieces because of their simple beauty and elegance. I brought them back to my jeweler for resizing and upon finding out that they were now mine, she gave me a thumbs up.
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Apparently, these 2 pieces were among the most precious in the collection. The earrings are made with 18-karat gold and house rare pink diamonds and white sapphires. The diamonds are rare not only because of their color but because of their cut. According to my jeweler, nobody cuts diamonds this way anymore. I believe they’re called Old Miner’s Cut diamonds.
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The ring is of less value but is still rare. The tiny gemstones are garnets but in a color that is very hard to find. They’re maroon/purple. And according to her, the craftmanship is simply astounding. She saw a similar ring at Cartier’s and they cost several thousand dollars!!
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I really don’t care how much these cost. All I really care about is that they are a remembrance from a woman who, during her living days, was an inspiration to many…including myself.
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To see the other weekenders, please visit them at Weekend Snapshots.
Categories : Weekend Snapshot, pictures
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Napaboaniya APAD
July 7th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Those pieces you’ve chosen are beautiful. I like the rare pink diamond ones as well
I’m sure they’re served you well as mementos of your “Lola”
Frozen Moments
July 7th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
There are so beautiful, you must take care of them. Have a wonderful time wearing them.
Gemma
July 7th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Your pics are lovely! They clearly show the exquisite detail of these gems. Loved the story behind them too!
SandyCarlson
July 7th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
It’s very nice you have these mementos. All of her estate sounds interesting. She sounds like she was quite a lady.
Carver
July 7th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Those are beautiful pieces and it’s so great to have something so lovely to remind you of your Grandmother.
maiylah
July 7th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
congratulations on your new “home”!
those are such interesting pieces of jewelry! were some of them made to match her Filipino dresses? so lovely!
Wenchie
July 7th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I’m still wondering who your Lola was…I’m sure she’s one great lady. Lucky you, you have those to remember her by and get to keep her precious treasures. Beautiful pieces of jewelry indeed, a real heirloom. Pag me party tayo, wear it ha. My great-grandmother had hers too, but unfortunately lose some in a house fire and to some greedy relatives. Too bad, It never reached my hand, he he he…
julie
July 7th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Whoa! Tago na yan sa safety deposit box at naku, susmaryosep.
Pink diamonds,of course, its my first time to hear the term
ces
July 8th, 2008 at 1:24 am
wow! congratulations! for the new spot with a dot com!;) i like the ring! the simplicity and colors that would surely make a statement!
Mar
July 8th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Beautiful jewelry and priceless memories of your Grandmother!
jeanne
July 8th, 2008 at 3:27 am
that’s really beautiful
Mine is here
eastcoastlife
July 8th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Beautiful pieces of jewellery! Your lola had good tastes.
My grandmother left me a can of her antique coins but was snatched away by the male descendants. I only got S$20 cash. I’m not crying over the little I receive. I have only 2 paper notes to remember my awesome grandma… and here I am crying. Sorry.
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hi Napaboaniya!! Yes, the pink ones are really special. And they really remind me of my Lola because she was such a character during her day
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hi Frozen Moments!! I can’t wait to find an occasion to wear them. They’re just to beautiful to wear everyday
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Hi Gemma!! Thanks…the detail and workmanship of these pieces are truly remarkable. Thats why I chose them
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hi Sandy!! She was. My Lola was truly a woman worth emulating
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Hi Carver!! If only to remind me that my Lola was a beautiful person, inside and out..these treasures have already served their purpose
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Hi Maiylah!! Yes…some of her jewelry were made to match her Ternos and Baro’t Saya. Thats actually my next project. I’m trying to figure out how to restore her dresses. Its also a wonderful collection
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Hi Wenchie!! Hayaan mo, next time ikukwento ko yung tungkol sa kanya. She was really a wonderful woman both professionally and personally.
Sige minsan pag nag-Eating Club date tayo sa medyo sosi na lugar, isusuot ko yan para mukha akong Donya..hehehe
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Hi Julie!! Hehehe..nakatago na
First time ko din makakita ng pink diamond. I’ve never seen anything quite like it and to think ang hilig kong mag-scour sa mga tindahan ng alahas. Joke nga nila, manang-mana nga daw ako sa Lola ko dahil ang hilig ko sa borloloy
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Hi Ces!! I love that ring. Its so chi-chi, actually. Its like one of those fancy cocktail rings you see those Hollywood divas wearing. What can I say, my Lola was a fashionista too
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Hi Mar!! Thanks a lot
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hi ESL!! Aww..don’t cry. Its not in the value of what was left behind. Its really the memories that count
Cookie
July 8th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hi Jeanne!! Thank you
lady cess
July 8th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
oh my goodness! sobrang ganda! those are indeed treasures. one each for gabi and adi when the right time comes.
pinayhekmi
July 9th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Your mother is such an inspiration! It’s the best legacy to leave I think, children and grandchildren who thought well of you, and loved you.
pinayhekmis last blog post..Busy as a Bee, Happy as a Clam
pinayhekmi
July 9th, 2008 at 8:22 am
I mean, your “grandmother” is such an inspiration.
pinayhekmis last blog post..Busy as a Bee, Happy as a Clam
Cookie
July 9th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Hi Cess!! Ah yes…sino pa ba ang magmamana kungdi ang mga Hezzies
Cookie
July 9th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Hi Tin!! Aside from the memories and the lessons she has left behind, these pieces are truly a wonderful memento from my Lola. They really remind me of her
feng
July 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am
ang gaganda nyan Cookie! alin ba dyan ang gagamitin ni Adi na “something old, something new, something blue” sa wedding day? mag-isip na tayo ng motiff! haha!
fengs last blog post..HE NOW REFUSES AFTERNOON NAPS
Cookie
July 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Hi Feng!! Ay naku, kahit alin dyan pwede!! Parang type ko ata ng burgundy na motif para match na yung alahas…hehehe
GreenBucks » Blog Archive » That Extra Hour
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Designer jewellery
March 11th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
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