My mom received this 24K gold bracelet from her mother for her wedding. It's hard to tell, but a dragon and phoenix are inscribed on the bracelet. The bracelet was a little dented from being kept in my grandma’s purse. This is evidence of the bracelet’s purity, as pure gold is very soft. 24K gold jewelry is a traditional Chinese wedding gift, as gold symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and happiness. My family is from Canton, China (now Guangzhou), and is Cantonese, so a dragon and phoenix bracelet is traditional. The dragon is yang (male), and the phoenix is yin (female). Together, they represent perfect unity, harmony, and balance. My mom’s family didn’t have much money after they immigrated to the U.S., but gold is an important part of their culture. My aunts also received gold bracelets for their weddings. My mom treasures her 24K gold bracelet because it represents my grandmother’s love, good wishes, and heritage.

– Kimberly Brodersen

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant