The story behind my passion for heirloom redesign jewelry

I look just like my mother, just with dark hair instead of blond.

We have the same laugh, the same smile, the same amount of energy, and I inherited a lot of my creativity from her.

21 years ago today, she passed away….

Her death was surprising!

Sudden.

A shock to my family.

She was so so young and so vibrant.

It was hard to believe she had gone….All of a sudden.

When I remember that time, I reminisce about seeing her happier than I ever had in that last year. She had found love and a purpose for creating a new life for herself after my parents split.

She was HAPPY!

And she loved to dance and sing…

Tracy's mom dancing

I also remember that if she hadn’t a died, I might be in such a different place. I’m not even sure if I’d be designing jewelry!

Her death was the catalyst that spiraled a series of events that led me here today, including going back to school after a hiatus, taking my first jewelry class and creating my first heirloom redesigned ring.

Today I remember my mother as the loving, bright shiny beacon she always was and still is for me! As we all know, in life there are things we can’t control. Sometimes the saddest of circumstance get us to where we need to be.

Here is the first heirloom redesign I created to remember her. I am working on another right now, but it wasn’t ready for this post.

 Tracy Matthews Heirloom Ring

Go squeeze your mom today!

In the comments below, I’d love to hear which characteristics you inherited from your mother?

15 Comments

  1. Katy on April 15, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    beautiful story and so personal, thank you for sharing. for the first piece that you created in memory of her, was it a diamond of hers that you reset?

  2. Tracy Matthews on April 15, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Yes Katy,

    I have another one that I am designing right now..can’t wait for that one.

    thanks for commenting. What characteristics did you inherit from your mom?

    xo, Tracy

  3. Kim Atkins on April 15, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Hi Tracy with loss sadness always follows, for what could have been…but what beautiful memories you have of her. i have often wondered if I’m like my Mum, being adopted,it’s something that I will never really know.

    • Tracy Matthews on April 15, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks for sharing Kim…it would be strange not knowing but I am sure it’s all for the best. What characteristics do you take after you “real” mom (aka your adoptive mother)??

      Tracy

  4. Brooke Mosher on April 15, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    What a beautifully written story Tracy. I don’t know what I would do without my mom, she always gives me the best advice. I definitely inherited her quality of being an individual and to always go against the grain whenever possible. She taught me to always be different and I love her for that. I hope you have a wonderful day remembering you mom and celebrating her!

    • Tracy Matthews on April 15, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks Brooke and I love hearing about your mother as well! You are such an amazing light and I know your mom is so happy to call you her daughter.

      xo, Tracy

      • Jenn on April 15, 2014 at 3:33 pm

        Tracy, how lovely to share this with everyone and find the positive in this experience. And such beautiful inspired jewelry!

  5. Cathy Veisel on April 15, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    So beautiful Tracy!!! Love how u celebrate her with all of who u are and everything she helped u create! I will always thank my mom for passing on to me her sense of humor, creativity, passion for doing the unexpected and love of the absurd. Great gifts our moms left to their daughter! Live and miss u beautiful lady!!!! Xoxoxo Cath

    • Tracy Matthews on April 15, 2014 at 5:34 pm

      Cathy! love hearing this about your mom! Yes our moms did leave us great gifts…

      Miss you too lady..I hope to be in LA later in the year..big love my friend.

      xxoo, Tracy

  6. Candi on April 15, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    I definitely got my creativity, resiliency and my humor from my mother. Her ability to boldly stay true to herself taught me self acceptance and a respect for individuality.

    I love the picture of your mom dancing…thank you for sharing your touching and beautiful story.

  7. Tracy Matthews on April 15, 2014 at 8:01 pm

    Candy, thanks so much for your sweet note and I love what you’ve inherited from you mother.

    Especially: Her ability to boldly stay true to herself taught me self acceptance and a respect for individuality.

    Have a lovely eve!

    Tracy

  8. justine on April 15, 2014 at 10:30 pm

    thank you for sharing Tracy, moms are the best, connected with their children forever, I’m sure your mom is very very very proud of you & everything you’ve done in your life.

    I definitely got my creativity from my mom too, who got it from her mom…. 🙂

  9. Mélanie on April 16, 2014 at 4:21 am

    Dear Tracy,

    What a sweet article it is…
    Thanks for sharing this with us.
    As you know, my mother also passed away a few years ago.
    I, too, feel that her death generate some events which had a big impact on my life (personal, emotional, professional, and spiritual : yes, all that together !).

    You’re so talented : thanks for what you do.
    I will keep following you, and keep wishing to have a new piece of your work some day in the futur.

    Thanks for all Tracy.
    Love ♥

    • Tracy Matthews on April 16, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      Melanie, I do know that and we are kindred spirits in that way.

      I can’t wait to design for you again..

      xo, Tracy

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