What’s in Your Jewelry Box?

Dec 29

What jewelry is a part of you? These are the pieces that are so special you rarely wear them. Or you wear them every day. Take a peek inside other women’s jewelry boxes and see their forever pieces sparkle, hear their stories, hold them close.

A fashion market editor cherishes her grandmother’s jewels

I’ve worked in the fashion publishing world my entire career. I started as an intern at JANE magazine, then a Fashion Assistant at Gotham magazine, followed by many other titles up the fashion ladder to eventually be a Market Editor/Stylist at the NY Post. During each of my jobs, I always leaned toward jewelry as my specialty. Going to jewelry market appointments is like a five-year-old going to Disney World—it’s awe-inspiring.

I cherish every piece of jewelry like it's a unique treasure. There's my festive Of Rare Origin coral, malachite, and horn earrings that are my go-to wedding guest adornments. My many Venessa Arizaga bracelets that I always bring with me on beach vacations. And my custom "Baby Bishop" K Kane earrings and my "B” necklace by Ca&Lou—both tributes to my son, Bishop.

But nothing compares to the pieces from my grandmother. My maternal grandmother, Frances Johnston, was also a jewelry lover with drawers and boxes full of jewels from throughout her life.

I always admired the four-pearl ring she wore every day, and when I got married in 2015, I asked if I could wear it as my something borrowed. She obliged and had it fitted for my right ring finger so I could keep it after the wedding. It was featured, along with my wedding, in a bridal-themed issue of Alexa in 2016.

It’s a gorgeous ring I get compliments on with every wear. And it goes perfectly with other vintage pieces I inherited after Grandma’s recent passing this year. All her jewelry reminds me of her glamour; her hair and clothes were always pristine, and she finished off each look with polished jewels, even when she was just coming over to my parents’ house in the middle of nowhere East Texas for dinner.

I’m sure there are stories behind each piece that I never got to hear. Knowing that this jewelry probably went on some late-night adventures in Grandma’s early years, I will honor her wearing them during my experiences in the world. I will also wear them on ordinary days I’m working from home and during my everyday life with my family—just like Grandma did.

I wear this delicate 14K gold beauty as a watch or simple accessory 24/7.

I love how the color and floral details on this sizable bracelet make it seem so dainty.

When I told my mom I wanted these coral hoop earrings, she said I could take them, but only if I took the picture of my Grandma wearing them.

I fell in love with this fish brooch and then noticed it has a loop on the back to be worn as a necklace—then I fell in love all over again.

Editor: Samantha Durbin

Wordsmith: Johannah Masters

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