When I sat down to write this blog post about Mother’s Jewelry, my research led me down the rabbit hole. Every year across the US, on the second Sunday in May, we celebrate Mother’s Day. A special day set aside to honor the woman who helped shape who we are today. But did you ever wonder where Mother’s day came from?
It’s not just another “Hallmark Holiday.”
It all started when a woman named Anna Jarvis was looking for a way to honor her deceased Mother and pay credit to all the sacrifices mothers made for their children. With the help of Philadelphia’s own John Wanamaker, in May of 1908, the first official celebration occurred at both Jarvis’ home church in West Virginia, and in an event at the iconic ‘Wanamaker’ department store in downtown Philadelphia.
Over the next 6 years Miss Jarvis continued her efforts to make Mother’s Day an annual holiday in the US. She directed massive letter writing campaigns to newspapers and politicians arguing that American holidays were biased towards only male achievements. Finally, in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure making the second Sunday in May officially “Mother’s Day.”
Today we continue the tradition honoring Mom’s with flowers, phone calls and gifts from the heart. One of the most meaningful gifts, Mother’s Jewelry, symbolizes that which she holds most dear.
Mother’s Jewelry started traditionally as rings personalized with birthstones of her children. Early rings contained a row of birthstones between two bands. The styles have evolved greatly over the years and today, Mother’s Jewelry can be rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets. Jewelry not only contains the children’s birthstones but can also incorporate that of the Mother, Father, Grandchildren and beloved pets.
At SS Mapgie, I create custom Mother’s Jewelry in non-traditional styles to best symbolize the lifestyle of the recipient.
Here are examples of some pieces I have designed to get your creative juices flowing:
- Stacking rings for the young Mom with additional rings to be added as her family grows.
- A birthstone bracelet with the word “Family” stamped on a Sterling silver bar.
- A “Sea Foam Bubbles” necklace accented with birthstones
- “Wave” rings with up to 4 customized stones
- A birthstone “River” necklace for a “Fur-Mom” (because our babies sometimes have paws)
- A pure silver bangle using heirloom pearls that a Mom was gifted when her baby girl was born.
- The 3 pearl Sea Glass necklace representing both the Mothers love of the sea, and her 3 daughters.
As you can see, Mother’s Jewelry doesn’t have to be the big clunky rings of the past. A custom design from SS Magpie is the perfect path to birthstone jewelry that can be worn every day. It’s also not just for “Mother’s Day”. Birthstone jewelry makes a beautiful way to thank your mom on your own wedding day, to celebrate a milestone anniversary, or to recognize the joining of two hearts.
Are you ready to speak your own family love language? Let’s create a piece that comes from the heart and honors those that you cherish most. Click here to get started with a free design quote today.