A Pearl in My Oyster

I love this slender silver ring with dangling gray-blue pearl. The luminous orb moves when I move, like charms on a bracelet, and feels so feminine.

It was made by Andrea Schettino, an artisan and gifted baker who still lives in my hometown--Dumont, NJ. The small town can tend toward the dull a bit--but of course it’s the people that matter, and some glitter like this lifts it up! I’m a snob, I know. For that I apologize.

I know Andrea and her family from St. Mary’s parish and her older brother, John, was a high school runner with me. 

Andrea’s mom, Sue, volunteered w my mom at the Saint Mary’s School Library and today mother and daughter both came to Montclair to meet me for lunch and a little browsing. 

Sue shared some memories of Mom with me, which I cherish. And her husband, Aniello, had a tiny shop in Dumont where he crafted beautiful silver and gold jewelry, with and without gemstones. I grew into such an accessory lover, starting with my first job as a fashion assistant at a magazine. I can’t believe I did not immerse myself in that mini shop! I don’t know if I ever went in. But my parents watched their pennies much more carefully than I do.

So grateful for lunch today with two lovely women holding a gossamer thread back to my girlhood--to Sunday Mass, the June carnival and more.

They both said to always take pearls off before immersing in dishwater. I ruined a Mikimoto pearl bracelet by NOT doing that. So I took my magical ring off and put it back on after sponge and Palmolive. I hate to take it off for bed, and might not.

Andrea’s website is ArtigianoJewelbox.com. Treasure chest! Must see!

Good night.

TCOY

1. The lunch w Andrea and Sue, and walking around the shops a bit.
2. Bought a handmade bath fizzy at Dolly Moo.
3. Ice water.
4. Applied mascara.
5. Ate some vegs.
6. Texted my friend Meggy in Stowe, Vermont. Plan to drive up for a few days when Punch is at sleepaway camp for 2 weeks. I miss Meggy and Vermont.