#Vintage estate jewelry for sale

[jamieleicurt]

Micro-Trends to Watch: The Latest Fashion Fads in the World of High-End Jewelry

Jewelry trends come and go, but in the high-end world, the details make all the difference. While classic pieces will never go out of style, micro-trends are introducing new layers of creativity and individuality to luxury accessories.

The latest trends in fine jewelry are steering away from conventional norms, giving rise to fresh, innovative styles that cater to the modern-day fashionista.

From bold, eye-catching designs to subtle, meaningful pieces, the world of luxury jewelry is embracing a new era. Let us take a closer look at the micro-trends that are reshaping the jewelry landscape, ensuring that your collection stays ahead of the curve.

Personalized Monogram Jewelry

Personalization is no longer just about engraving a name or date; it is about making a statement. Monogram jewelry, especially in the form of diamond initials or custom-designed pendants, is having a moment.

From necklaces that feature delicate letters encrusted with diamonds to bold initial rings, this trend allows wearers to showcase their individuality in a refined and luxurious way. It is the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern customization.

This micro-trend is especially popular for gifting, whether it is to mark an anniversary, the birth of a child, or just to celebrate one’s identity.

Sig Ward Jewelry offers customizable options, where clients can work with skilled artisans to create one-of-a-kind jewelry that reflects their style, initials, or even the birthstones of loved ones. Check out Kylie Richards donning the gorgeous monogram necklace while filming RHOBH season 14.  

For more details: Check out our Instagram page here!

Gypsy-Style Rings

Speaking of vintage, gypsy-style rings have gained a loyal following in the luxury jewelry space. These rings, often featuring a bold center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds, are known for their bohemian flair.

With roots in Victorian-era jewelry, gypsy rings are now being reinterpreted with modern elements like colored gemstones and unconventional settings.

At Sig Ward Jewelry, the exquisite collection of gypsy-style rings offers a nod to the past while embracing contemporary design. Whether you are looking for a gold diamond gypsy ring or a unique, bohemian-inspired band, these rings provide an elegant balance between vintage charm and modern sophistication.

Rainbow Gemstones

Gone are the days of sticking to just one gemstone. Rainbow jewelry, featuring a mix of vibrant, multicolored stones, has become a playful micro-trend in high-end jewelry.

Designers are embracing a kaleidoscope of colors in their creations, offering rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, amethysts, and more—all in one stunning piece.

Rainbow gemstones bring a sense of fun and whimsy to luxury jewelry, making them perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit. Whether you are wearing a rainbow gemstone bracelet or a multi-colored cocktail ring, this trend adds a joyful, eye-catching element to any jewelry collection.

Convertible Jewelry

Practicality meets luxury with the rise of convertible jewelry—pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. Whether it is a necklace that can transform into a bracelet or earrings that can be worn as studs or drops, this trend is all about versatility.

Convertible pieces allow you to get the most out of your high-end investment, giving you the flexibility to adapt your jewelry to different outfits and occasions. Not only does this micro-trend offer a fresh approach to wearing jewelry, but it also adds a modern twist to classic designs.

Vintage-Inspired Designs

The love for all things vintage continues to influence the world of high-end jewelry. Designers are taking inspiration from Art Deco, Victorian, and mid-century modern styles to create pieces that have a nostalgic yet timeless appeal.

Vintage necklaces, cocktail rings, and bracelets adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and intricate filigree work are all making a comeback. This micro-trend appeals to those who appreciate the craftsmanship and elegance of bygone eras, while also offering a sense of rarity and uniqueness to their jewelry collection.

Chunky Chains

While delicate jewelry will always have its place, chunky chains have become a dominant force in high-end jewelry this season. These bold pieces, often made from solid gold or platinum, are perfect for making a statement.

Whether worn as a stand-alone necklace or layered with more delicate pieces, chunky chains are the epitome of modern luxury. Their versatility allows them to be dressed up for a formal event or paired with casual attire for an effortlessly chic look.

Minimalist Layering

For those who prefer a more understated look, minimalist layering is a micro-trend that is steadily gaining momentum. The key to this trend is delicate, fine jewelry that can be worn in multiple layers to create a subtle yet chic effect. Think dainty gold bracelets stacked together, or slim diamond tennis necklace worn with chic pendants that bring good luck.

Minimalist layering allows for versatility and personalization, as you can mix and match pieces to suit your style. Sig Ward Jewelry offers a variety of layering pieces, from simple diamond pendants to elegant chain necklaces, so you can curate your own collection of luxe, minimalist jewelry.

Shop the carefully curated collection of high-end fine jewelry pieces, and embrace the latest fashion fads with confidence. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or a new addition to your collection, the best fine jewelry store online has you covered with exquisite options, including the antique opal and diamond necklace and the stunning 14k diamond signet ring.

Step into the world of high-end fine jewelry with Sig Ward and let your style shine!

About the Author

Evelyn is a passionate fashion writer with over a decade of experience in the industry. With a keen eye for trends and a deep appreciation for timeless designs, she loves exploring the stories and symbolism behind different jewelry motifs. When not writing, Evelyn can be found curating unique pieces for their personal collection or attending jewelry exhibitions around the world.

[paulprestigegems]

14K Yellow Gold Australian Mosaic Black Opal French Clip Earrings With Appraisal Card Vintage - Rainbow of colors! PRICE: 1200.00 LINK ↓

[bleedingspiral]

[rutledgeexchange]

New Arrivals!

[squidinkarchives]

Vintage Beetle Brooch, Gold Tone with Iridescent Cabochon

Source: Mount Kisco, NY The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.

[govintage57]

Get to know us with Rachael as she explains how we started and what we are about.

[ritzjewelers]

Vintage Diamond Ring Restoration #restoration #ritzjewelers

[neocurio]

neocurio eBay store

[taurnachardhin]

I think the site might be U.S.-specific, unfortunately, so apologies that this isn't useful to non-U.S. people, but estatesales.net is a great resource! They also have a mobile app if you prefer that. You can see all the upcoming estate sales near you on a list or map, and the people who run them will usually post a list of the types of items that will be sold along with a ton of photos of everything so you can scope out whether there's anything you're interested in ahead of time. (Especially helpful when they post the clothing/shoe sizes because clothing is usually one of the lower-priced items at these things so it's good to know ahead of time whether it'll be worth it to poke through the closets!) You can filter the results for the type of sale, so if you just want to see normal sales and not auctions (same), you can do that. You can also sign up to get email notifications about sales in your area. (It's also a good way to find out what the local companies are so you can go find their websites and get on their mailing lists, too, if they have one.)

My other estate sale pro tip is as long as you don't need something specific, but just hope to luck into Something interesting or useful, go on the last day of the sale! Most estate sales run for a few days, and they'll do a bigger discount each day, like it'll be full price Thursday, 25% off Friday, 50% off Saturday, etc. (This is another useful thing about estatesales.net-- the sellers will usually update the title of the sale listing each day with that day's discount so it's easy to scroll through and look for ones that say 50% OFF!!.) Because if they don't get rid of everything by the end of the weekend, they'll just have to cart it to the thrift store or dump themselves and won't make any money anyway, so on top of any official discount, they're usually willing to accept even lower offers at that point. (And will tell you so themselves the second you walk through the door, in my experience.)

I’ve heard you mention estate sales before I believe - if you don’t mind, how do you find out they’re happening? Just looking it up is just getting me a bunch of auctions - are there like Facebook groups (or hopefully other sites) that they end up on?

Thanks!

I'm not sure how it is other places, and I've heard some countries don't have them, but the ones near me are done by a small independent company and they have a mailing list. They also post pictures on their website a few days before the sale (and the sale dates & addresses weeks in advance) which is how I was able to snag the wonderful beautiful table 2 days ahead of time.

[stardustndreamsofsilver]

Honey, All I See Is You

Part Three

Jake x reader (f)

Warnings: tobacco use

Find All Parts Here

Three

The next morning, the sound of rain hitting your roof slowly stirs you from sleep. Groggily, you rub the sleep from your eyes and yawn. Rolling over onto your side, you reach out and feel around for your phone. Finally feeling the cold glass of the screen, you lift it and hit the power button. The screen comes to life and temporarily blinds you. Squinting, you look at the time. 7:30 am. Phone still in hand, you flop onto your back and sigh. You’ve only got thirty minutes until you have to be at the store and open for the day. With a whine, you kick off the blankets and get out of bed. Quickly walking toward your bathroom, you open spotify and play your morning playlist. When you reach the bathroom, you slide the phone onto the edge of the sink and head to the shower. 

After speeding through your shower, you hastily pull on your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans and a cream color heavy knit pullover. Rushing over to your dresser, you open your sock drawer and grab a thick pair of socks. Closing it, you pull on the socks while scanning your jewelry collection. Your eyes fall on a vintage gold band you’d picked up at an estate sale. It has a salt and pepper diamond set and has vines and flowers carved into the band. Picking it up, you slide it onto your middle finger before putting on the rest of the rings you typically wear, and an onyx cameo necklace your grandmother had given you just before she’d passed.

Checking the time, you see that you only have ten minutes to get to the bookstore. Mentally cursing, you shove your phone in your back pocket and hurry to the living room. Slipping on your Blundstone Chelseas, you reach for your rain jacket and shove your arms into the sleeves. With a huff, you throw your purse over your shoulder and reach for your umbrella. Grabbing at nothing, you realize you’d left it at the store the last time it had rained. Mentally chastising yourself, you pull up your hood and step out of the door. The rain pelts your face and sends a shiver down your spine. Pulling your hood tighter around your face, you close the front door and lock it. With a deep breath to ready yourself before you take off in a jog toward Literary Labyrinth. 

As you jog the few blocks to the store, Jake steps outside under the awning. Pulling out a pack of cigarettes, he packs it against the heel of his hand. Opening it, he pulls one out and lifts it to his mouth. Holding it between his lips, he puts the pack back in his pocket and grabs his lighter. Flicking it open and lighting it, he cups the flame. Lighting the cigarette, he takes a long drag. The smoke fills his chest and gives him that all too familiar warmth. Holding that first drag a few seconds longer, he slowly exhales and turns his head. 

About a block away, he sees someone running through the rain heading straight toward him. Squinting, he takes another drag and tries to figure out why the blurry figure seems familiar. As they draw closer, it hits him. It’s you. You’re running through the rain with the flimsiest raincoat he’s ever seen.

Tossing the cigarette onto the ground, he stomps it out before putting it in the ashtray beside the stoop. Looking back up at you, he can see you’re nearly soaked through. A sudden wave of concern floods through him. Stepping back inside the coffee shop, he grabs one of the extra umbrellas from the stand and goes back outside. Opening the umbrella, he ducks under it and runs to meet you.

Your eyes are on the ground as you continue your run. Without warning, you collide into an immovable force. Stumbling back, you trip over yourself and begin falling. Flailing your arms, you let out a screech and suddenly you’re caught. Looking up in bewilderment, you see Jake. He has one arm wrapped around your waist keeping you from falling and the other is holding an umbrella above you. Time seems to stand still. You feel your face warm as you hurriedly stand and straighten yourself.

“H-hey! Sorry about barrelling into you. I wasn’t paying enough attention I guess.” You say with a huff meant to be a laugh.

“It wasn’t your fault, I was running to meet you and didn’t stop in time or call out to warn you.” He says. “Are you okay? Didn’t twist an ankle or something?”

This time you do let out a chuckle. “I’m fine, just a bruised ego. Wait, why were you running to meet me?”

“I saw you running and that you didn’t have an umbrella with you, so I came to give you this one.” He says, holding it out.

Shocked by his kindness, your mouth drops. Quickly shutting it, you reach out and take the umbrella. As your hand wraps around the handle your fingers brush against his, sending goose bumps along your arm. Clearing your throat, you smile and say, “Oh wow, that’s so sweet. Thank you.”

Stuffing his hand in his pockets, he nods and says, “No problem.” He looks like he wants to say something more, but decides against it. 

“Well, I guess I better get going. Don’t want to be late opening my own store.” You say with a laugh. “Do you want to walk together? So you don’t get as drenched as I am?” No sooner than the words left your mouth did you wish you’d phrased it any other way.

Jake smirks, “Well can’t have that. It takes hours to get this look just right.” He says gesturing to himself. Stepping under the umbrella, he casually takes it back from you and holds it over the two of you as you walk the half block to the coffee shop. 

As you reach the stoop of the coffee shop, the two of you step under the awning and Jake asks, “Coming in for a cup of coffee?”

Shaking your head, you say, “Not today, I really do need to get to the store.”

Nodding his head and leaning back on his heels, he says, “Right right. Of course. Well I won’t keep you.” Taking your hand, he wraps it around the umbrella and grins. “By the way, still waiting for your thoughts on Forevermore.”

Taking a step back and chucking, you say “I promise I’ll give you my thoughts as soon as I read the next book. See you later Jake.”

“Can’t wait.” He says with a wave. 

As he turns to go inside, you notice the whole right side of his body is soaked. He’d let the umbrella shield all of you and only half of him on the walk here. Your heart flutters at the realization. Feeling heat rise from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, you turn to head to Literary Labyrinth. You take one last glance back at Jake through the window and see him hanging his jacket on the coat rack and smile to yourself.

Walking to the store, you unlock the door and head inside. With a cold chill, you hurriedly shake off your jacket and walk over to the electric fireplace, turning it on. As you begin getting the store ready to open, you decide to leave the overhead lights off and only use the lamps and wall sconces to lean into the rainy, cozy, curl up with a good book kind of day aesthetic.

You open the store with a few seconds to spare and already had a customer waiting for you despite the rain. They bought a few newer titles and one classic. As you sent them on their way, you walk over to the fantasy section and grab the next volume of the Forevermore series.

Walking over to the fireplace, you sit in the chair beside it and crack open the book and began to read. You got through the first two chapters before you decided to message Jake. Picking up your phone from the arm of the chair, you start to type.

“I hate that I’m almost understanding Uthril and his reasons for killing Eldrin. I feel like I’m betraying Delimira.” 

A few seconds later, you hear your phone go off. Tapping the message bubble, you read. “He had good reasons for going against Eldrin and his kingdom. Some you won’t even find out about until later in the book. I’m guessing you’re not that far into it since it’s only been a couple of hours since you opened.”

“You’re right, I’m just starting the third chapter. I’m interested to see what reasons you’re talking about. You should just tell me, I don’t mind spoilers.” You type back.

“Absolutely not! I’m shocked you’d even suggest such a thing. *shocked face emoji* Asking for spoilers, unbelievable. I thought you had a better love for art of book reading *solemn face emoji*” He says.

Letting out a laugh, you type back, “I do have a love for the art of book reading! I mean clearly, I own a bookstore. But fine, I’ll just read and find out for myself. *salute emoji*”

“Thatta girl.” He says, quickly followed by, “Still expect updates though.”

You smile and send, “Aye, aye Captain.”

The next few hours are spent going between reading and taking care of customers. Your favorite kind of day. Around two, you realize you’re low on a few books on the display table and write a little note saying you had to step in the back and to ring the bell if you’re needed. 

While you’re in the back, you hear the front doorbell ring and call out that you’d be out in just a minute as you’d gotten all the books you needed. As you step out of the back, you hear the bell ring again, signaling that the person had left. Furrowing your brows, you try to see them through the front window, but they’re already gone before you could make it. With a shrug of your shoulders, you go about putting out the books.

When you finish, you head up to the counter to take down the note. As you walk closer to the counter, you notice a cup of coffee sitting on top of the note and a croissant sitting beside it. Reaching out to pick it up, you hear the ding of your phone.

“Sustenance is key, dear reader.” Jake says.

With a smile you pick up the coffee and take a sip, it’s a Spanish Latte. Sitting the cup back down, you type back, “How did you know I hadn’t eaten yet?”

“Just a lucky guess. Plus you didn’t get to have your cup of coffee this morning. Figured you’d be wishing you had by now.”

“Well thank you dear sir. How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing, this ones on me.” He says.

“Awe, thank you! Are you sure though? I don’t mind.”

“Absolutely sure.” He answers. “Actually call it an iou. If it makes you feel better.”

You chuckle and say, “Sounds good to me.”

taglist: @vanfleeter, @sinarainbows, @danny-dream, @nina-23-45, @takenbythemadness, @edgingthedarkness, @gvfmarge, @lyndz2names, @watchingover-hypegirl, @twistedmelodies, @josh-iamyour-mama, @writingcold, @jakesguitarpick, @darianh07, @starcatcherchords

[d1gnan]

I absolutely love the jewelry you make and I’ve been saving to buy some of your bracelets for a little while now.

I hope this isn’t bothering you or anything right now but I wanna ask if you have any tips when it comes to outsourcing beads, chains, and charms etc. I really admire how a lot of the items you use to make to make your stuff is like thrifted and upcycled. Unfortunately none of this yard sale stuff is near me so I’m wondering if you know any alternative ways to get similar styled beads/charms that you have. Or just general tips like what tools you use to make jewelry and what the process is like for you.

Again, sorry if this is too much! I’ve just been so inspired by your lovely work it’s motivating me to make my own little trinkets recently. Lots of love <3

HELLO thank u so much for this sweet message❤️🍀🐬

its an honor to be a source of inspiration for u i really appreciate u taking the time to reach out.

as far as my process + sourcing my best advice is to ALWAYS keep your eyes peeled. anything and everything has potential

i will say tho if youre striking out at places local to U, ebay and mercari are good online sources. be imaginative with your searches , some of my fav search terms r

- keychains - metal scrap/key lots - crackerjack / vintage prize charms - deadstock costume jewelry lot - watch faces - drilled dice

ask your friends if theyre getting rid of jewelry, ask your grandparents if u can go thru their junk drawer, let people know about ur mission to repurpose shit and most of the time they'll want to be included. lowkey people just bring stuff to me at this point

also, antique malls and Estate sales!!! estate sales are where ive found a TON of my beads, you can find estate sales on craigslist and u can specify in the search that you're looking for old jewelry.

also, i would invest in a dremel if you don't have one. obv b careful cuz its a power tool but its come in handy for me so many times to turn random shit into beads, for example i drilled all the dice for my the strokes inspired jewelry myself

last idea is u can also get metal stamping supplies for pretty cheap. then any random piece of metal can become a charm, i got a whole tub of washers and dog tags for free cuz i asked about it that ive been 4 stamping lyrics/words into

hope this helps u . thanks for the luv 💚☮️

[paulprestigegems]

14K White Gold Natural Oval Ice Blue Aquamarine And Diamond Ring 0.90 Cts Vintage - Crisp and light PRICE: 500.00 LINK ↓

[suosgirl]

melody….!!!

Do you think suo would choose the classic diamond ring or something more classy like pearl……..

SCREAMING CRYING PUNCHING THE FUCKING FLOOR MINO I LOVE YOU LETS KEEP TALKING ABT IT WHILE IM CRYING STILL

So, in my humble opinion, I think that I'd mention to him literally once, just once, the type of jewelry I like (gold and classic/dainty), and he'd take that and fucking run.

And??? He'd absolutely want to make it so so so sentimental for the both of us. So... what does he do?

He would absolutely try to find an antique wedding ring for me. And he'd know that I love it because I'm all about thrifting and vintage items. But? He'd have to do so much looking around, would probably have notifications on his phone for when there are estate sales in the area, and he'd try his absolute hardest to make sure that I don't know what he's doing or what he's up to.

Because of that, it'd probably have to be a classic diamond, but I wouldn't put it past him to get the stone altered hehe. And I know he would, so ....

He gets the stone to be altered to a ruby. So that it matches his earrings.

..... IM CRYING AGAIN JUST LOOKING AT THE PICS URGIEHG

MINO I LOVE YOU TY YOU HAVE MY HEART AND THEN SOME ♡♡

[rutledgeexchange]

18k Vintage Band

Working on getting this cute little vintage wedding band on #Etsy tonight. Very little of the original engraving remains- all but buffed off at some point.

This was an estate sale find. Gotta Love a great vintage wedding band. Perfect for a stack .

Currently playing:

[twopoppies]

Honestly I plan to take a photo of Harry’s ring and just bring it to a jeweler and say “this please.” I found similar ones but nothing exact, a lot of them have diamonds on them and I genuinely just want the same exact ring. Based on my research I think I could do it for under $1,000 maybe $750 and I think I really will do it. Obviously I would send photos if and when I do.

Oh, please do! I keep scouring vintage jewelry sites and estate sales for things. So far the only ones I’ve liked are well out of my budget. Oh, to have Harry Styles’ bank account.

[margridarnauds]

okay here we goooooo:

🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction? 

❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best?

🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately 

🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

MWAH

Well, it's been a hot minute since you sent this on!

🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction? 

It just came naturally to me when I was younger. I had ideas, I wanted to be part of my favorite stories, so I put myself on them. I was devastated to learn about copyright law, but then, when I was twelve, I learned about a wonderful website called Fanfiction.net where you could *publish* and *read* those stories. I was too scared to write them at the time, even though there are a couple of things from that time doomed to remain drafts forever. And then...at a certain point, I became so scared of things besides public humiliation and so Done that I was no longer scared of being sporked on Livejournal, and off we were.

❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best?

I'm too possessive of my own ideas to let anyone else write them, BUT, *if* I could get Elaine Cunningham to write out the sequel I have planned to my BG3 run's novelization, where Kitrye is sent back to the Underdark and has to continue to serve Eilistraee in secret, dragging Raphael along for the ride, I wouldn't be *opposed*. (PLEASE ELAINE I'LL GIVE YOU TEN WHOLE DOLLARS.)

🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately 

It seems frivolous given everything else wrong with the world at the moment, but jewelry.

The Victorian garnet ring I have my eye on, that I don't know whether it'll sell out before I have funds again. The way that the light hits the stone in the images, revealing what looks to be a pool of blood beneath a gold and pearl star.

The garnet ring that my grandma gave my mom for her 16th birthday. Each of the women, for three generations of my family, have liked jewelry -- all of us have had our own styles, our own pet favorites, but something that connects all three of us is a love of garnets. The way that my mom can still describe every single detail of it, all these years later, the way that there was a single diamond on each side, the way that they seemed to pucker up to kiss the garnet, as if they loved the stone as much as my mother did. And that was the reason my father stole it from her, along with the rest of her jewelry. Whether, if he hadn't, that ring would have sat on my finger at some point. The way that those kind of actions, born out of spite, don't ever affect just *one* person, but they ripple down over the years.

She still sometimes searches for it, eyeing the search results, only to close the tab, inevitably. Sometimes I wonder where it is now -- if it's on some New York lady's finger, in some estate sale that hasn't been posted online, whether it had been melted down for the gold in it. (I want to believe that the diamond and garnet content would spare it that fate. I want to believe it.) The thought of somehow, in some way, buying it, and finding some small way of making my mom happy, of fixing some of the pain of the past. How I'll look at every single vintage jeweler I can think of, with every single search term I can think of, until my eyeballs are straining from the endless parade of rings that look nothing like what my mother described and I'm forced to give up.

I think about my Victorian ring, if I get it, being snatched away from me in the middle of the night by an angry partner. If it would haunt me the same way that ring haunts her. All that pining, the effort, the strain, the sentimentality, only to ultimately enrich a man who would never understand what it actually meant, that it wasn't just something of cold stone, but something that meant something to me. How I'm drawn to and scared of antique jewelry -- drawn to the history and the craftsmanship, terrified of being the one to somehow destroy it.

The medieval replica garnet ring I keep in my jewelry box, the one that I bought just before everything went to hell. I bought it at a conference, from a jeweler who specializes in medieval replicas, to pair with a garnet necklace that I gave my mother, because I wanted her to have something from the conference when I knew that I might be returning home to my aunt dead. It seemed ridiculous, even at the time: "Your sister's dead, have a necklace!" but, besides acting as my mom's Cadbury Mule when I'm in Europe, it was the only thing I could think to do at the time.

My grandpa's ring, which sits, a little too large, on my middle finger as I type this, with its green stone, so dark that, in the right lighting, it appears almost black. That it might have gone to my cousin instead of me, right up until he sent my mom that text message wishing my late aunt and uncle to burn in hell together. The way the gold looks like it's in a state of motion, breaking down, flowing. My grandpa wasn't a man who loved gaudy jewelry -- he hated a diamond ring that my grandma had wanted him to wear, which we sold off to get a little bit of money, but he wore this one. The way that I run my finger over the smooth surface of it and imagine his finger making the same motion. My grandpa had seemed like such a giant when I was a child, but now, his ring can securely, albeit loosely, sit on my finger. I'd taken it up because it was the closest I could get to a mourning ring. Not that it matters because I'm no longer going to be in a place where people need the reminder. Everyone carries their dead in some way, I just happen to carry them either around my neck or around my finger.

The little "M" necklace that I keep in my travel jewelry box, the one that belonged to my grandma that she wore her entire life. I've never believed it's made of real gold -- likely some thin plating, but when I wear it, I wear it with pride. When I'm attending an event that she would be proud of me for attending, when I want her presence with me. How little I've worn it recently.

The watch and the moonstone ring -- the watch sits on my wrist, the ring lays in my travel case. How both were presents to myself for completing my generals, because that was the only way to actually give it meaning to me, more than the second MA degree that hasn't even been hung up on the wall because of the deep sense of disgust and fear I feel when I look at it. The way that I sought both of them out as a form of retail therapy, just as I'm looking at jewelry now. The way that I know that I was at least in a financial place to buy them when I did -- I was more miserable, but I could drown myself in retail therapy.

The sterling silver necklace, twisted into the shape of the Children of Lir, that I always wear for conferences, now laying, unused in my jewelry box, about three hours before I would have presented. If there'll ever come a time when I'll wear my jewelry like the older female academics, where it'll be seen as a mark of class instead of vulgarity. Whether I'll age into their dignity and poise or whether they were handed a script that not only do I not have, but that I can't read. Whether there'll come a time when my work is seen as being something worth a little inconvenience, whether my words will ever be allowed to stand on their own without being second-guessed and shouted down, or whether that'll never happen because of the same script that other academics seem to have that I don't. Whether I want to rework the paper that I was going to present into a paper for another conference or whether I just want to lick my wounds. Whether, if I presented it at another conference, that necklace around my neck, the words would form half-way in my throat as I realized that it really was garbage, not worth the fight. That I didn't have that necklace with me during the month when everything went wrong, how I'd searched for it, scoured my suitcase and backpack, only to realize I'd left it an ocean away. That, for the first time, I gave two conference papers without it, and how nothing went according to plan and nothing's gone according to plan ever since. If everything, all this could have been avoided at some point, if I'd just worn the necklace with the four doomed swan children on it. Whether, if my colleagues (who weren't mutuals of mine already) will read this, like they've done before, trawl through every single page of my blog from over the course of a decade, because, inconsequential as I am, they really, really love getting their cheap kicks from me, can't leave me alone, even when they leave me in silence, and think I'm genuinely talking about jewelry.

My aunt's wedding ring, which had been one of our great hopes for getting a bit of money, estimated at 10k, offered at 1.5k. It should have sold for more (it should have sold in general), the inheritance should have been in our name since her son had disowned her and told her he didn't want her money, the forty thousand she'd promised us should have been in the will. The sinking feeling of realizing that it's truly us on our own now. The flights I've had to cancel, the friends I'm going to have to disappoint, the fear I feel at the start of every single month as my landlord extracts money from an account that isn't bringing anything in, even as he says that he's looking for people to sublet my place. The gripping fear that no one will come along. (And I'm still looking at that Victorian ring, I admonish myself, but what would I do if I didn't have the ability to dream of that blood-red stone?)

Whether my inheritors will be happy with the collection I leave them when I die, a selection of no fewer than four generations of my family, with me doomed to be the last one left standing, or whether they'll wrinkle their noses in disgust, that there aren't more diamonds, aren't more expensive pieces. My collection wasn't assembled based on money -- I wouldn't have a collection if it was, but on meaning. That I chose to keep the costume jewelry, the cheap QVC items. What my contribution to it will be. The certain, terrible knowledge that one day I'll have to go through my mom's collection, in the way that she went through my grandma's and aunt's, and there won't be anyone with me when I do, no one to stay loyally by my side. No next generation. The doubt on whether I'll even be conscious when that happens. Whether I'll be able to afford jewelry ever again by the time this program's done with me. Whether, if I buy my Victorian ring when I do have funds available, I'll end up broke when they've washed their hands of me again, when they find new little expenses to add up like they did this time. Whether my inheritors will have more of an inheritance than I was granted, more security, should they want to sell it for the sake of their own security. Whether I'll have to sell my collection at some point, or whether it'll stay with me my entire life, even if I cross an ocean. Whether there'll be anyone left to inherit it at all when I'm done, or whether it'll just be sold indiscriminately, one more clump of jewels to either be melted or pawned off.

🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

Paragraph blocks, first person that begins with a description, Ebony Dark'ness Demetia Ravenway style (1st person is a noble POV with a long history....it ALSO can very quickly go badly, particularly if it's for fandoms that aren't, themselves 1st person, and that one in particular is usually a sign that you're in for a bumpy ride, though I see it more often in original smut than fanfic these days tbh.) "Okay" pre-19th century.

One thing I haven't discussed before is that I'm *just* repressed enough that, if the MC has sex with someone besides their love interest, unless it's someone I *really* trust, I click away. Yes, I know that people in the real world have sex with people besides their True Love. Yes, I know that this is internalized purity culture on my end. Yes, I've tried to work on it over the years. No, I still don't *like* it, especially if it's a full sex scene.