A few years ago, my dad's cousin, Sheila, gave me a lovely silver bracelet for Christmas. I recently recovered it (it'd disappeared during moves and international travel) and have been taken by its charm. On a blue piece of paper, the following story was carefully typed out on a typewriter:
A SMALL RELIC
This Victorian pure silver bracelet was Blanche Whitaker's favorite piece. On one end of it, you'll find odd little letters scratched into the silver (with a needle or a knife tip). Could be "W X B"
This bracelet was probably a gift to Blanche from Walter. Mother and Nana never saw Blanche without this bracelet. I have no heirs...so I think this piece goes to Luz (being a pianist and Blanche's blood kin). Blanche was an amazing lady...raised all those kids (after Walter died)...she was a music teacher...and performed very popular concerts/recitals. Her specialty was Chopin.
Blanche had a mascot...who was on the stage, asleep under the piano...at every concert! This was her big black & white cat. He was a huge hit with the audience. Her playing was gorgeous.
This bracelet carries Blanche's energy. ALL old jewelry carries the residual energies of the first owners. This piece has really nice vibes...and it was her trademark (along with her stage cat).
Love, Sheila
This Victorian pure silver bracelet was Blanche Whitaker's favorite piece. On one end of it, you'll find odd little letters scratched into the silver (with a needle or a knife tip). Could be "W X B"
This bracelet was probably a gift to Blanche from Walter. Mother and Nana never saw Blanche without this bracelet. I have no heirs...so I think this piece goes to Luz (being a pianist and Blanche's blood kin). Blanche was an amazing lady...raised all those kids (after Walter died)...she was a music teacher...and performed very popular concerts/recitals. Her specialty was Chopin.
Blanche had a mascot...who was on the stage, asleep under the piano...at every concert! This was her big black & white cat. He was a huge hit with the audience. Her playing was gorgeous.
This bracelet carries Blanche's energy. ALL old jewelry carries the residual energies of the first owners. This piece has really nice vibes...and it was her trademark (along with her stage cat).
Love, Sheila
Cats, music, and eccentricity–must run in the family! It is such an honor to share such a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. I've decided to make it my own trademark as well. My hands tend to be fidgety, so I am often twisting, jingling, taking it on and off, and so on. When visiting Todd and Erin last night, we discovered its anthropomorphic qualities and took the following photos.
"Blanche the Camel"
"Blanche the Slug"
Detail of the clasp eyes
I personally think the letters spell out Mexico, W X B sounds more romantic
5 comments:
signature jewelry is special. especially old stuff that's had a life before you...
and great pictures. I thought the last one, showing off the letters, actually looked like arms reaching across that blue. and the letters did look like Mexico more than WXB.
- anne
i think "blanche the slug" could also go undercover as "blanche the cobra." :)
ha. that's pretty suhweet.
AND--how nice it is to have you over here on the blogspot....
just wanted to say welcome, and that i'm still keeping up with you (even if i don't ever comment).
Hi. It was great to find this post on your blog. When Blanche and Walter sailed to the US from England, 2 of Walter's children from his first marriage were left behind - My GG Grandfather and his sister. So lovely to hear about Walter giving this bracelet to Blanche - and to see a photo of something that meant so much to her. I guess we are distant cousins! Best wishes from your family here in England. Hermione x
Hermoine, thanks for your lovely note! I delight in the thought of being able to share this special piece of history with family I have yet to meet!
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