A class ring, with a simple leaf imprint, holds more symbolism than what is just presented visually. On the inside of the ring, Sarah Ballock’s name is engraved in the handwriting of her mother, sister and grandmother Sept. 24.
Jewelry has often been used as a visual window into one’s identity. Each piece can carry and communicate meaning.
It is a way to celebrate relationships, memories, our heritage and so much more with each piece of jewelry we choose to present to the world. Each piece we carry helps us as we navigate through life.
Through this photo essay, I wanted to capture the subtle ways we can share pieces of our identity, the stories we hold close to our hearts and the ways that they can reflect the aura we choose to present to the world.
The bracelets reflect the importance of friendships within her life, as most were made by close friends and her campers. These bracelets cannot be taken off and offer a glimpse of the importance of relationships and the value of loyalty that are guiding principles within her life Sept. 24. (Helena De Castro)Junior Lila Salois makes jewelry and sells it through her Instagram account @bluestarbeads Sept. 28. (Helena De Castro)Capturing the process behind the custom orders of Blue Star and the special attention and dedication it takes to prepare each bead for the final product Sept. 28. (Helena De Castro)Every bracelet represents a different sphere of influence that establishes the foundation her life is built on. Whether one represents a place or a person, they are essential to who she is Sept. 25. (Helena De Castro)Her hoops were given to her by her best friend from home, a way of feeling connected through the space that separates them. They reflect the light despite the silhouetted nature of the photograph, a background communicating the gentle and calm aura presented by their keeper Sept. 25. (Helena De Castro)The pearl ring resting on her ring finger represents a maternal tradition of the mother giving her daughters pearl rings to celebrate graduating from high school. Each pearl ring was specifically chosen and designed for all three daughters and though she says it doesn’t match her typical style of jewelry, it is the one ring she will never take off Sept. 25. (Helena De Castro)A way of feeling independent and fun, getting a nose piercing represented the change from late adolescence to early adulthood Sept. 7. (Helena De Castro)Given to represent a coming out, the rainbow stone bracelet represents acceptance and love from grandmother to granddaughter. Others represent familial love, friendship and pride Sept. 18. (Helena De Castro)
