Every year Jennifer Bolongaro sports an unusual piece of jewelry during the holidays.
What looks like a beautiful silver medallion is actually an heirloom sterling ornament. Her mother began purchasing ornaments from the Reed & Barton Cross Series (now in its 37th year) when Jennifer was a young girl. This year Jennifer wore the 1976 edition that had also been worn by her mother.
Jennifer’s mom was onto something. Not only does Jennifer now enjoy double duty with the ornament as holiday jewelry and then adorning her tree, she also has a sentimental heirloom to treasure. These ornaments are versatile enough to be worn short (on a chain or sterling collar) or long on a silk cord or beautiful fabric ribbon.
This is a lovely tradition to begin with your daughter or niece. Each year the ornament manufacturer introduces a new edition, and unlike most manufactured ornaments, a sterling ornament will last more than a lifetime and retain its beauty if stored properly. Order online through a variety of vendors or at Argent silver shop in Homewood (the ornaments are also available at Macy’s). After a few years, you’ll have a wonderful collection to commemorate your holidays together, and your little girl will one day have a beautiful tree full of ornaments all her own.
Other collections to consider:
Lunt Snowflake
Wallace Angel
Gorham Cross
Sterling ornaments are generally $55 - $65 each. You may find previous editions online for less.
Annual ornament too much of an investment? Buy one to commemorate a special memory and wear it as your signature item year after year.
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