During the summer of 2018, most of my mom’s side of the family gathered together for a wedding that my cousin was having in Marshall, Missouri. Marshall is between Kansas City and St. Louis but lies closer to Kansas City as it takes one hour and thirty minutes to reach Marshall from Kansas City. During the time spent there I got to see many family members, including my grandma Cecilia, where I was gifted timeless jewelry.
My grandma Cecilia gifted me a pair of small gold decorative accessories for me to wear on my ears. They have two main parts; the top is thin and bent in to connect to the bottom, thicker part. The bottom hoop like part of each accessory has multiple lines that showcase an intricate design.
At the point where the hoop is the widest it measures 13/16″. Measuring the top to the bottom, the length is 1 – 5/16″. The thickness of the hoop measures 1/16″.
For me to wear this gift, I must put the top part through my pierced lobes. Once, I have securely connected them on my ears. I am able to feel their weight. Typically, when I wear other accessories like this, I do not notice how heavy they feel, sometimes I even forget I am wearing them because the other pairs I own are very light. However, with these small gold hoops, their weight does not go unnoticed. Their heaviness is the dense material of the gold they are handcrafted from.
When worn the bottom hoop allows for dangling and swaying movements to occur; perhaps walking or shaking my head. Not only are these items physically close to me as I wear them on my skin, but close to my heart.
This pair of accessories is special to me because they are from my grandma Cecilia. My grandma Cecilia is my only living grandparent and the only one I remember having a relationship with. So, having a gift from her and a relationship with her is something that I cherish. She bought this unique handcrafted accessory gift in Mexico. When taken a close look, they are not identical; one of the two pieces has longer design lines craved in on the bottom hoop part than the other. Additionally, my grandma has many other granddaughters that she could have chosen to gift these earrings to.
Anytime I wear these earrings, I am reminded of my grandma. Whenever I see my grandma, she is always wearing these types of earrings. My grandma has lived in Mexico her entire life; so, when she visits the United States, or I visit Mexico, I am glad that she has gifted me something that reminds me of my family and their culture.
When other individuals point out that they like my earring and I happen to be wearing the ones that my grandma gifted me, it brings me happiness; because these earrings are not solely a form of self-expression to complement an outfit, but I get to talk about my grandma.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
These remind me of a pair of earrings my grandmother would’ve had! I really appreciate your description of being able to feel their weight while you’re wearing them.
My grandmother loved jewelry, especially gold, so I can relate to and appreciate your explanation of how the jewelry is a reminder of her. I also appreciate the backstory of where your grandmother got them, and why her relationship is special to you. It really helps to highlight the significance of the object.
I really loved your description of these earrings and I can tell that they really hold a special place in your heart. I have one of my grandmothers rings that I wear every single day so relate to your appreciation and sentiment toward them.