Mother's Necklace

Group:
Picture of my mom's necklace.
Picture of my mom's necklace.

My object is a 22 karat gold necklace with three pendants that my grandmother gave to my mother. The history of the necklace is rooted in India and has been passed down through many generations. In the Indian culture, gold jewelry is highly regarded. In the Indian culture, gold jewelry represents prosperity and wealth and is often gifted at auspicious occasions such as weddings or births. My mom wears gold jewelry given to her by her great grandmother, grandmother and mother. This is my mom's favorite necklace. The pendants are significant to my family because this necklace last belonged to my aunt, who passed in a car accident in 1995. Each of the three pendant's were important to her because they represented her faith in religion, spirituality, and her connection to my mom, her best friend. The pendant that represented her faith in religion was that of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the remover of obstacles. Next, the pendant that represents spirituality is known as "om", which is a symbol that represents a sacred and powerful sound. Lastly, the fish pendant represents my aunt and mom's zodiac sign (Pisces). Their birthdays were only five days apart and they each loved the fish pendant. Pisces are often described as sensitive, intuitive, and empathetic. These are characteristics that truly embody my mom. 

Place(s): India, England, United States
Year: 1980

– JP

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant