This is an engagement ring that was given to my great-grandmother, Gertrude Herskowitz, by my great-grandfather, Leon Bellen. We don’t have many details about the ring other than that it came over to the United States from Lodz, Poland with my great-grandfather, because it belonged to his family. So he kept the ring with him until he met Gertrude and proposed with it. Before Gertrude passed away, she gave the ring to my grandmother, who then gave it to my mother. My mom got the ring from my grandmother around 2001-2002, and she keeps it in a special pouch in a small jewelry box in her closet. The person who told me about this heirloom was my mom, because it’s very precious to us and we are going to continue to pass it down in our family. My great-grandfather came over from Poland seeking a better life free from persecution in 1919 when he was 9 years old, and the ring was one the few things his family could bring with them. It was handed down to Leon by his parents, but we aren’t quite sure where it directly came from. Having this ring helps keep our family connected to our heritage. The ring predates 1910, but we don’t have any more specific history on it. I’m very happy to have this ring in our family, because it makes me feel connected to my ancestors, which is very important to me.

– kb

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more