Back Around the House II Mothers’ Ring remembered

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In their pre-teen years, our daughters became aware of “Mothers Rings.” I had no desire for one because my children’s birthstones then were really ugly together, so I gently discouraged them by pointing out that eight stones would make a very big ring.

But then they discovered “Mothers’ Pins” at a local discount store. These were not too bad.

The one they chose looked like a tree in winter — no leaves — with various stones distributed through the branches. They talked their dad into buying one for me, but he insisted I had to go along to choose the stones.

All 10 of us presented ourselves at the jewelry counter of the Big N Department Store. The girls explained our mission to the clerk. The eight proper birthstones were chosen and arranged.

One of the girls pointed out there were empty spaces, so they decided to use a birthstone for Mom and one for Dad. They agreed it looked better.

Then the clerk said, “You have space for one more stone.”

“That’s enough,” said Dad, whose patience was beginning to wear a little thin as he held the baby and chased the toddler.

“But, Dad, we can have one more stone,” they pleaded.

He glared at me, so I solved the problem by saying, “Put in a diamond for the dog.”

“But is that his birth stone?” they asked.

“Yes, of course,” I assured them as I quickly consulted the birthstone chart. “He was born in April.”

Just one of more “mommy fibs” which made life easier way back then, before they were old enough to figure out I had no way of knowing when the dog’s birthday was because we got him as a stray from the dog pound, and they didn’t give birth certificates.

I still wear the pin, usually around Christmas time when the colors seem appropriate.

Just a few years ago the subject of Mothers’ Rings came up again. I knew they were serious so I began to look around.

I discovered they have come a long way, but I didn’t see any I really wanted.

Then Bill stepped in. “If you can’t find one you like, we’ll go to the jewelry store and have Mark make one for you.”

Now this sounded really classy — and expensive. I agreed, but added, “I still need more time to decide what I really want.”

After much thought I realized my problem with a Mothers’ Ring was the thought of eight big stones on one finger. The solution was suddenly obvious. How about eight tiny little stones on my little finger—a pinkie ring.

So we went to see Mark at the jewelry store. He thought it was a good idea, especially when I told him what the eight birthstones were.

I told him about the Mothers Pin, and he suggested Bill’s red birthstone and my blue one would add some needed color.

Then since there was really room for 11 stones, Bill said, “You might as well put in a diamond for the dog.” The dog died 25 years ago, but I liked the sentiment.

Then Mark asked, “Gemstones, or synthetics?”

My practical side asserted itself, “Make it synthetics. It’s just a pinkie ring,” I said. “And it will be cheaper,” I thought.

Before we left Bill took Mark aside. I didn’t listen because I was still looking around.

This is how I wound up with a really lovely Mothers’ Ring for my pinkie with synthetic stones for my family and a genuine diamond chip for the dead dog.

Author’s Note: This column was first published in the Daily Advocate on March 1, 2001.

By Kathleen Floyd

Back Around the House II

Kathleen Floyd is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her column Back Around the House II. She can be reached at [email protected]. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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