RESTORATION & DESIGN
"A cherished gift safeguarded for over 20 years, reimagined into a stunning treasure" -Leah
The delicacy of lavender fields & tinges of green grass are one of natures bi-color combinations found in precious Jadeite. The translucency in this Jade bangle allows light to flow through, giving it a soft and subtle glow.
Treasured throughout Asian Culture, the collection and wearing of Jade Jewelry dates back centuries, a symbol as an oath to health and prosperity, and an observance of
"The stone of Heaven".
This Jade bangle was purchased in Hawaii for Leah, from her husband Al, as an Anniversary gift. While her and I were working in the Labor & Delivery ward together (bringing babies into the world), one night-shift evening, in a rush to assist in an emergency surgical procedure, she quickly placed the bangle onto her scrubs tie-string, and unfortunately it loosened and fell to the ground. Jade is a relatively dense, hard stone, and so because of this, it did not shatter or chip at the ends, but simply had a clean break into two pieces (pictured above).
She held on to this special piece for over 20 years .....
but she knew one day, she would be wearing it again.
In good company, Cheers to a wonderful sunset in Oceanside!
When Leah & I spoke about a possible fix for the bangle, I began thinking about her & the design. I remembered her natural calm and confident poise (especially during emergencies) & nurturing energy, and the image of a Ginkgo leaf came to mind, a beautiful symbol of longevity & resilience.
The design has a streamlined silhouette with an old world, classic feel of Art Deco, with four gold caps, cast in 14K yellow, gently wrapping around the ends.
A safety clasp and chain were designed into the piece for added functionality and to restore the wearability of the bangle!
A sweet touch💞... an abbreviation of both of their names into one word 'LEAL' was engraved on the inside of the bracelet.
In the initial 2D Jewelry sketch (pictured below), we were going to repurpose the diamonds from one of Leah's tennis bracelets. Instead she went with diamonds from a pair of earrings that she was no longer wearing as often. The graduated diamond sizes added a touch of sparkle and symmetry to the piece.
Its the story behind the pieces that make them so magical! Thank you for your trust, it was a joy to bring this together!
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