What an interesting look I found this morning! It’s like Hip Hop meets The Preppy Handbook:
This is totally not my style, but I do love monogrammed items. I struggle, though, with whether they might seem too self-centered or egotistical to wear around one’s neck. Is that weird or legit? Should a religious leader be adorned in their own initials? I have a monogrammed pillow and bathrobe and signet ring and “W’s” on my best napkins, but around my neck? What do you think?
I have a gold signet pinkie ring from my Dad that I treasure for many reasons, but mostly because he gave me my first one when I was fourteen and then without anger or recrimination, gave me my second one to replace the one that I accidentally threw away when I was fifteen. I had been just sick unto the death about losing the first ring and I guess he asked my Mom why I wasn’t wearing it, and she broke the news to him. My pop had a bad temper and the fact that he didn’t unleash the Kraken on me for losing the ring was one of the great acts of parental grace I remember from him. He died when I was seventeen, a loss that I feel keenly this time of year (his birthday was December 19th). I don’t wear the pinkie ring very often. It’s not my style but I love having it in my jewelry box, as I have precious few items that connect me to my Dad.
The company that makes these is called Moon and Lola and while I am not feeling the preppy hip hop model, I actually love this style.
I’ve wondered the same about monograms, as I love all things monogram, but feel some sense of personal ridiculousness if everything I have is carved up in my initials. I really love the acrylic keychain monograms and think they serve a purpose of self-differentiation.
Remember those monogram sweaters/purses/everything that were in style circa 2003-4? That’s funny to think about.
Have you ever though about wearing the pinkie ring on a chain around your neck?
My wedding/engagement ring designer cautioned me to not wear my rings on a chain. With good quality jewelry, it can cause a mark or a dent if worn too long. Some jewelers can make your into into a necklace (one of my people has a lovely pendant made from her husband’s wedding ring, with her engagement diamond suspended inside), but otherwise, I’d keep those rings off the chains.
Monograms are totally not my style, but bless those to whom it does appeal. I think a pin on a hat or a blazer is nicer than the chains, though.
As long as it’s not a gigantic dollar sign. During the pledge drive.
Your story about your pinky ring reminds me of the keepsake my mom left me – or rather, which I claimed – a cut-out liberty dime with her birth year as a pendant. I lost it while out running cross country practice in the 7th grade. I bought myself one much later (with a different date, since 1921 dimes are hugely valuable) and some years after that, mailed it to my niece when she was struggling with fertility problems. I sent a note with it saying that she strong women in her family all standing behind her. I’m not superstitious about these things, but she now has 3 kids… And I miss wearing the pendant – need to get another one.