My family immigrated to the United States in 1910 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. In the early 20th century my Great Great Grandmother came upon a beautiful pearl ring. I am unsure of its original origins but I believe it was acquired in Southern Italy, as that is where she was born. ‘Mama’, as she was called, then passed it down to my Grandmother as a token of her acceptance of my Grandmother’s impending marriage to my Grandfather. It was a sign from her that she believed that the marriage would be successful and that she supported it. In the mid-1980’s my Grandmother then gave the ring to my Mother. Much like when ‘Mama’ gave it to her, this was my Grandmother’s way of letting my Mother know that she loved her and that she believed my parents union was something she felt would flourish over time. My Mother claims that this ring was “one of the most genuine gifts” that she’s ever received. She also says that she plans on passing the ring on to the woman that I eventually marry. It’s a true testament to the idea that family is bonded together over time regardless of whether or not someone is alive or no longer with us.

– Richard

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