I Inherited My Grandma's Jewelry. It Took Years to See What I Really Got

Though I’ve tried, I haven’t found words to fully describe her vibrancy and presence to her great-grandchildren. They have only vague memories of a sweet old lady lavishing praise and cuddles on them. All I can offer them are pictures, faded with age, and video recordings of her performing at my sister’s and my weddings. Even then, well into her 70s, she enchanted her audiences.

Holding an old ornate pin that seemed out of sync with most of the contents, I thought back to a trip I took with my grandma when I was about 12. We had settled into our plane seats when she pulled a paper lunch bag out of her purse. She pushed the bag at me in the hurried way she often gave us things, almost as if someone would catch her and stop the transaction. Inside was an odd assortment: rings with fake gems, colorful plastic beads, and a gold locket with a diamond chip embedded in the center. I questioned the locket, saying it was too precious. She shrugged it off, saying it was all costume junk. Even then, I knew there was no arguing with her. The only acceptable response was “Thank you.”

Bringing my attention back to the boxes, I spent an hour or so pondering the contents, taking each piece out reverentially, evaluating its potential. In the end, I kept the jewelry boxes and a much pared-down collection that included several pieces I didn’t particularly like. I felt compelled to hold onto them.

Grandma’s been gone more than twenty years now. Every so often, I pull the boxes out and reacquaint myself with the contents, sometimes trying on pieces to see how they “fit.” Almost every time I lift their lids, one or more pieces make their way into my jewelry box as I grow into them.

Though once I thought them overly showy, too much for my plain self, I now see them as they are: true heirlooms that hold a piece of Grandma’s life story, objects that were close to her heart. Eventually, my girls and my niece, who never got to meet her great-grandma, will get to choose which pieces they want for themselves.

Though they didn’t get to see her in action, my hope is that they can appreciate and share in her love of accessorizing while having a very tangible way to feel her love for them. That love shone brighter than any bauble possibly could.