My father had the ring made for me before he passed away, which was just before my 21st birthday. My mother presented it to me for my birthday and as you can imagine, it was quite emotional.

Lia-Belle

My father selected a blue sapphire stone for the ring. He had extremely blue eyes, piercing blue, and as a little girl, my mother would always dress me in clothing with little blue flowers.

This ring holds a huge sentimental value and is tied to a lifestyle of memories of my him.

This ring will become an heirloom for generations to come. My daughter Ophelia will receive it on her wedding day as her ‘something blue’ and it will continue to be passed down in the same way.

The thought of transferring ownership one day makes me feel sad for it holds such a special place in my heart and it is the most important object that I own, but I think that importance brings even more meaning when it is passed on. As any true heirloom should.

Whilst Lia & I were traveling through Pushka, India, we discovered a little shop, not overcrowded unlike many of the other shops in the area. I was instantly drawn to the antique anklets inside a small cabinet. I had seen similar versions of the anklet in historic images, and knew they were special. The owner believed they were from the 18th Century and would have possibly been gifted to a groom’s future wife, as part of their wedding ceremonies.

Lotte

Only rarely is the anklet actually worn, they have become more of an altarpiece — a reminder of culture, craftsmanship, tradition & time.

We keep the anklets on my meditation altar, set on top of a hand-carved wooden bowl from Indonesia, filled with malas that were all dipped in the Ganges. Each time I teach a new student to meditate I gift them one of the malas. The anklets sit somewhat as a protector of each necklace underneath.

My daughter Ophelia is already drawn to the anklets and wears them on her wrists often. I think they would be beautiful for her to have. They also symbolize a very pinnacle time in Lia-Belle and my life: a time of travel, self-exploration, freedom, and only weeks before I proposed to Lia-Belle.

I hope the story of these anklets and what they symbolize stays on with my daughter, and as she grows; may they lead her on her own self-exploration out in the world.