Healing Jewelry: Pieces That Tell a Story

Today would have been my mom’s birthday, September 12th. She’s the reason I first made an angel wing charm necklace, something I still wear when I need to feel close to her. It’s funny how something so small can carry so much weight. Over the years, I’ve realized my jewelry isn’t just about looking pretty, it's about comfort, memory, and healing.

When Jewelry Becomes a Lifeline

Jewelry has always been personal for me. Sometimes it’s a celebration, sometimes it’s survival. I’ve had the honor of making healing pieces for people going through things I can barely imagine - loss, trauma, moments when words just aren’t enough.

Years ago, after the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, I was asked to make necklaces for the teachers. Each necklace was hand-stamped with “MSD Strong” and a tiny fingerprint, paired with an angel wing and a pearl. It wasn’t about making something beautiful. It was about helping someone carry a little hope, a little memory, through heartbreak. Those necklaces went out with a simple card:
“I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.”
(e.e. cummings knew what he was talking about.)

I’ve also made badge number necklaces for families of police officers killed in the line of duty, including after the Dallas shooting in 2016. Those pieces weren’t for show. They were about honoring bravery, mourning loss, and making sure someone’s name or number was held close, always.

Angel Wings, Names, and Tiny Reminders

The very first angel wing I ever made was for myself. I wanted to remember my mom in a way that was tangible, something I could reach for on the tough days. I’ve since made dozens more for people marking the loss of a parent, a child, a friend, or even a beloved pet. Sometimes they come with a name, sometimes a date, sometimes just a simple heart.

One of my customers once left this review:
“Fast delivery and a beautiful tribute/reminder of my baby in heaven!”
Reading that broke my heart and filled it up at the same time. It reminded me that healing isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s quiet, worn close, and deeply personal.

More Than Just Metal

There’s no instruction manual for making healing jewelry. Every story is different. Sometimes people know exactly what they want; other times, we figure it out together. Sometimes the pieces are never photographed, out of respect for privacy and grief. But every piece is made with care, and every story stays with me.

Today, on my mom’s birthday, I’m reminded why I do this. It’s not just about pearls and metal and pretty things, it’s about connection. It’s about being able to offer even the smallest comfort, to help someone feel a little less alone in what they’re carrying.

If you ever need a piece to help you remember, honor, or heal, I’m here to listen.