When I was little, I would look in my Grandma’s room and think she was rich because of all the “rubies”, “emeralds” and “sapphires” I saw. Throughout her life people always described her as one of the classiest people they had ever met even though she either wore second hand clothes or made them herself and wore costume jewelry. I often wear one of her rings and get the comment “What a beautiful piece, you can tell it’s real and not fake” and I simply smile. When she passed away my family had several jewelry boxes full of broken earrings, spare parts, various pieces of jewelry. I found myself wondering, did she keep this one earring because it was important to her? Why did she pick this, or was it given to her as a gift that she dutifully kept? Where did she find this?”. Even wondering where my Grandpa’s wedding band was.
So, I started keeping a jewelry journal for myself. I just picked up a cute journal at the dollar store. I take a picture of my new piece and then write:
1. What gemstone/metal it is.
2. Why I choose this.
3. Who gave it to me if anyone, or if it was to commemorate a special occasion.
4. The date.
I’m horrible at keeping a regular diary, so this is my way of preserving my personality and style. Check out other great “Works-for-me-Wednesday” Tips at Rocks in my Dryer
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006, 7:56 pm | 
Gemstone Information | 
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August 22, 2006 at 9:00 pm
What a fantastic idea! I must admit, I stick a slip of paper in the box that the jewelry came in. On the slip of paper, I jot notes with the details that you mention above.
I’ve posted a WFMW tip as well, involving an alternate use for a pot rack. Stop by and take a peek.
August 22, 2006 at 9:03 pm
Cute idea and great to look back on and remember. Thanks for sharing!
August 23, 2006 at 3:19 am
So true, it is like those old photo’s we don’t know who they are…
Thanks for the wonderful idea!
Blessings!
August 23, 2006 at 3:31 am
This is a great idea and I think it would work with other items we save as well.
August 23, 2006 at 4:10 am
What a great idea. It would have been wonderful to know all those things about those pieces, so I’m sure that someone will love to read that from you one day.
August 23, 2006 at 4:51 am
Now THAT is such a great idea…I’ll have to try this
Thanks for sharing!
August 23, 2006 at 5:22 am
What a great way for your kids and theirs to appreciate your treasures! I can see where this could be applied to all sorts of collectibles. Good one!
August 23, 2006 at 5:51 am
That is a great idea, especially for heirloom or favorite pieces.
August 23, 2006 at 6:28 am
What a wonderful idea! Have a great Wednesday – our WFMW tip is up as well!
August 23, 2006 at 6:32 am
I think this is a wonderful idea – it would work for a number of things, beyond jewelry. My mother has told me stories behind many items in their home, but I don’t know that I remember all the wonderful details. I think I’ll start one of my own!
August 23, 2006 at 12:07 pm
I really like this idea. I wish that my parents had done with a lot of their things. Esp. my mom’s jewelry – after she died my dad tried to pass her stuff along but it was difficult and many things that were valuable to my mom but not actually all the valuable were lost to me.
August 23, 2006 at 5:39 pm
What a great thing to pass on through the generations!