Heirloom Ruby Ring

My Mom is a simple woman, she has never worn any make-up and very little jewelry. When I was a kid I used to go through her jewelry box. In this jewelry box there were sentimental pieces, costume jewelry and a few special pieces. Among these pieces was a ring that my cousin Jan had given my Mom years ago. Her great-grandmother on her father’s side gave her grandmother a pair of earrings stating that they were costume jewelry and at best garnet and fake diamonds. Jan soon discovered that the earrings were actually rubies and diamonds (mine cut). Jan had the earrings made into two rings and gave one to my Mom since her birthday was in July and its birthstone is ruby.  My cousin Jan and my Mom were first cousins.  My mother's side of the family has always been very disconnected. The only consistent connection was through my Aunt Marie (My Mothers Aunt and my Grandmother’s sister) and her six daughters. When I was a kid Jan and Linda, two of the Aunt Marie's daughters spent time at our house. I have many fond memories of these times. Over the years I have become closest to Jan. My relationship with her is a combination of mother/sister/aunt/best friend.  My Dad owned his own business and as many may understand owning a business has its ups and downs.  During a down period our family was hurting for money. In desperation my mother decided to sell the ring to help out. Jan offered to buy it to keep it in the family. My mother was sad to part with it, but had to do this for us to survive.  She was not happy as she had hoped to give the ring to me one day since my birthday is also in July.  All this took place so long ago and was almost forgotten  Occasionally I would see Jan wearing the ring and remember it.  At my surprise birthday party this past weekend Jan gave me a gift, she said it was a part of her she was giving to me.  When I opened the present I found the ring she had given my mother long ago and now it was mine!  I love heirlooms for their connection and representation of what was to what is. I am so pleased to call it mine and some day I will leave it to one of my girls some day! THANK YOU JAN, I LOVE YOU!