In my AP Art History class, taught by Jean Peters, we just finished studying the Dark Ages.  There were plenty of book illuminations to be studied, but something else caught my attention.

Medieval heirlooms.  There’s something fascinating knowing that heirlooms were around even in the fifth century, the beginning of the Dark Ages.

The brooches that we studied were beautiful and intricately designed with interlacing patterns.  People passed these heirlooms down from generation to generation to add a little bit of history to each outfit.

Many girls just add rings, necklaces, or earrings to an outfit to make it come together.  But wouldn’t it be much more special if they added an heirloom?  It would give their outfit more importance, rather than just adding a random piece of jewelry.

With every heirloom comes a story and a preservation of history, whether it be from 1,000 years ago or 20 years ago.  There’s something unique about knowing that not only are you wearing a beautiful, antique piece of jewelry, but that you’re wearing a story that’s been passed down in your family.

I have a ring that I wear every day that I got for my 16th birthday. My mom got it for her 16th birthday from her mom, and decided to pass it down to me as an heirloom.  Since my birthday, I’ve worn it every day.

Although it may not match every outfit I wear perfectly, it still pulls it together.  Every time I put it on, I remember the reason why I have it, and it’s importance to me.

Although I love the amethyst ring dearly, I’ll pass it down to my daughter on her 16th birthday so she too can know the importance of heirlooms.