Modern heirlooms, rich in design details, create storied jewelry as unique as its wearer.
While I say FoundRae’s pieces are quietly meaningful – they are anything but quiet. Thoughtfully designed with luxurious details, each one is a bold, miniature work of art. There are so many beautiful designs that I could never figure out which ones to choose.
I had never pursued personalized jewelry for myself before... it was never on my radar as a genre of jewelry to add to my collection. That is, until 2022. Early in the year, my Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer — a battle he lost before he even knew he was at war. His passing sent deep ripples throughout my life.
In the months that followed, I faced my own recurring pancreatic health issues. Thankfully not cancer, none-the-less it will someday become life-altering. It was that spring that I finally made a connection between my own emotional needs and FoundRae pieces. It was time to start creating my story. First, I chose the Red Star – Strength Champleve Symbol Disk, a tiny but impactful piece with a bold hit of red enamel topped by a pavé diamond star. While outwardly I may project myself as a force (how some have described me), on the inside I know that the progressing health issues are beyond my control. The Strength tenet is a tangible symbol of how I draw on my inner determination to just keep moving forward.
Later in the year I chose the Resilience Baby Medallion to pair with it. From the collection, this one aligned best with my aesthetic style – clean lines with beautifully executed miniature details. The design features a graphic thorn, balanced with dainty white gold and diamond flowers, surrounded by spiked edging which adds a visually pleasing texture. The Resilience tenet is closely connected to how I work through challenges, with faith that I’ll come out the other side in a better place. Wearing them feels like a quiet declaration:
“I pride myself in my strength and resilience – qualities I inherited from my Mom.”
My Dad was my hero. He was both fierce and funny, and always there whenever anyone needed his help. He lived by a code of honor that was exemplary. Being surrounded by my Dad’s belongings made me feel close to him. I have kept an assortment of what I call awesome Dad stuff, but these aren’t things I can carry with me. My need for a commemorative piece of jewelry I could wear all the time and feel connected to my Dad had me returning to FoundRae.
Sorting through my Dad's possessions, I was struck by how often he had put a label with his name on things. I am not one to adorn myself in the initials of loved ones, but his initials, KB seemed like the right starting point. I chose the Engravable Heart Miniature Medallion to wear on my wrist. While there were a few heart styles within the collection, the radiating lines at the top of the heart are reminiscent of my Dad’s sun ray signet ring – it felt just right. I had his initials engraved on the front, and for the back this custom engraving:
“Bug you later”
This sentiment is both a nod to my own mortality as well as to our lifelong game of my Dad feigning irritation and that I was a nuisance whenever I needed his help. When my kids were little, I taught them the joys of Bugging Grandad – they were relentless and he loved every minute of it.
As my life unfolds, there will be more to layer onto these foundation pieces – medallions that tap into my superpowers, inspire me to achieve my goals, or to celebrate milestones. What I love most is that aesthetically and without the story being told, it’s simply beautiful jewelry that I can wear every day.