It was Christmas, 2021. Wrapping paper littered the living room, all the presents had been opened, and it was stocking time. As the youngest, I patiently waited for my turn. I was always last. This Christmas had been amazing, and I wasn’t expecting much out of my stocking. Maybe I’d get some candy or a new lip gloss?
When my turn came, I eagerly pulled item after item out; it was exactly what I expected! Some milk chocolate – my favorite – and a pack of lip smackers! Then, I got to the bottom. A wrapped box. I paused for a second, wondering why something in my stocking was wrapped, and then I eagerly tore off the paper. An iconic blue box. My eyes began to fill with tears: this was more than I ever could have expected.
Tiffany & Co. was my favorite brand long before I ever owned a piece. I had grown up with a sister who was obsessed with Audrey Hepburn, so naturally we spent hours and hours cuddled up on the couch watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I had also watched my sister wear a Tiffany necklace my whole life, so I wanted to be just like her.
The silver beaded bracelet quickly became a staple in my wardrobe. I ditched all my well-worn and well-loved gold jewelry for the shiny new designer piece. I filled my jewelry dish with silver rings and earrings.
I quickly became a “silver girl” – standing out in a group of friends who all wore gold all the time. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Winter turned to spring, and 8th-grade graduation rolled around. My parents told me I could go to Tiffany & Co, and pick out any piece I wanted. I had my heart set on a gorgeous necklace before I even walked through the door. Two charms dangled from a silver chain, a heart reading, “Please return to Tiffany & Co.” and a mini pink heart. It was perfect.
The jewelry felt like pieces of my childhood that I could always carry with me. Sure, I wasn’t an adult just yet, but I was leaving behind grade school, and all my wonderful friends. The jewelry also helped give me confidence as I entered a sea of new, older faces.
In December of my freshman year, I acquired two silver pieces I will always hold near and dear to my heart. The first was a Christmas gift. A pair of shiny silver heart earrings, nestled in a blue box and tied with a bow. The second, a silver bracelet with a pink stone, a symbol of one of my best friends, my only friend who was a silver girl, just like me. We got customized matching bracelets at Kendra Scott, and I wear mine every day. The bracelet provides comfort in foreign situations and a sense of familiarity when I feel lost.
So, when asked if I’m a “silver girl” or a “gold girl,” the answer will always be definitive: Silver stores memories that provide comfort for which I am forever thankful.
