This set is from the Van Arlesdale family from the Netherlands. My mom’s great aunt Jenine Van Arlesdale brought back these pieces of jewelry (earrings, pin, and ring) when she left Austria for America in the late 1800’s. They belonged to her family for years in Europe. The pieces were created to represent the Van Arlesdale family. The family had the set made in Vienna. The earrings have the family crest, ‘V’ on them. The set are 18K gold and are an original one of a kind. The ring is onyx and diamond. This set have been handed down through generation. My grandmother, Betty Lou Casey inherited the set of jewelry from her grandmother Estella Skirm, the daughter of Jenine Van Arlesdale. My mother, Kathleen Casey inherited the set from her mother, Betty Lou Casey. The set will someday be mine. Until then, my mother wears them on special occasions. These pieces are important because they are a connection from past generations. Just knowing that these pieces were worn by our ancestors, is meaningful and special. They’re a symbolic representation to our family. Also, they represent an identity that will never be forgotten even through assimilation.

– Rosmery Nunez

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