The Meaning Behind My Favorite Jewelry and Heart O' Gold Giveaway

I've always been a jewelry girl. I feel absolutely naked when I am not wearing a necklace and I don't think I have gone a day without my at least two rings on. I have a lot of jewelry-A LOT. I just have problems saying no to things that sparkle. A few years ago I cleaned out my jewelry box and got rid of some that didn't quite spark joy, and I'm afraid it might be time again. But, here are some I will never be parting with:

My Claddagh Ring

I upgraded my ring a few years ago to a sleek braided band ring, but the meaning is still as strong as with my first one. My mom bought me my ring at the cutest little shop in Gettysburg, PA and I still can't get enough of it. I love walking around with a clear sign of my Irish heritage (though according to Ancestory.com my family is not quite as Irish as we thought). And the bonding moment you get have when you see another Claddagh wearer is a great ice breaker! Click here for the historical meaning behind Claddagh Rings.

My Name Plate Necklace

This is the OG Emily jewelry piece. This is another one I had upgraded after a few years. I went from the Carrie Bradshaw style to the ones the Pretty Little Liars gave to each other after surviving the dollhouse. Now that was the most ridiculously Emily sentence I have ever written and I'm sorry. But I love it, both were a gift from my mom and I truly see it as a way of proclaiming to the world that I know who I am and I'm not afraid to let you know it to.

My Heart Necklace

This is probably the most meaningful piece of jewelry I own. It was given to me by my grandfather the Christmas before he passed away. I didn't think much of it then, for he had given me jewelry before. The necklace was just a simple heart pendant with the gemstone in the center and the inscription "Wherever life takes you, you will always be my granddaughter" and came in a matching jewelry box that played "Beautiful Dreamer". When I opened it I was kinda just like, yeah, that's how familial relations and bloodlines work but ok. But after his passing, I really started to understand the gravity of those words. I wear the necklace whenever I am trying to feel close to him. I made sure it was around my neck at my college graduation and used it as a sense of comfort this past summer when I was at a very low point in my life.

My Birth Stone Ring

For my 21st birthday, my grandmother got me the most beautiful sapphire band and it pairs perfectly with my tiara ring I've been wearing for years. I feel pretty blessed to have such a kind and loving family and this is a constant reminder. The ring was my first piece of "big girl" jewelry and I couldn't be happier.

Speaking of meaning, jewelry is one of those special things that you can associate meaning from a person or event with a beautiful object. I made these things special in my own way, but one thing that is instantly special is when the company gives back to those who need it.

I recently partnered up with Heart O’ Gold whose mission is to spread kindness through inspirational jewelry and positive affirmation message cards. They donate 10% of proceeds to charity to help those in need. Right now they are running a gold heart necklace giveaway before they launch their web store. Check it out: www.heartogold.com

You'll definitely want to enter before they launch and I buy every single of their pieces!