Author Information
Collarbone Ellegance
Ever since I was a young girl, I have a strong memory in my head that never lets me go. The picture goes as follows: I approach to greet my grandmother and over her neck, a stream of beautiful white pearls covers her collarbone and gleams in the light. Next thing, I grasp these pearls strongly with both my hands as if to get closer to this motherly figure of mine, which is my grandmother. The pearls, once a gift from my grandfather, serve as a remembrance of former times of youth and glory. The eternal shine on them reminds her that these beautiful jewels serve not as glamorous item to deceive and impress others, but to decorate her beautiful person and being.
As I grew older, I came to relate these pearls to my grandmother in all social occasions, weathers and outfits. I knew that to her, the pearls were not meant to grasp other people’s attention but to remind her that she was loved, and even though at times this is hard to bring back to life, this apparently insignificant item served such purpose at all times. For me, the pearl necklace is a symbol of what my grandmother and her Spanish customs mean to me. She always keeps her face expression gentle and calm, even under the stormy emotional trouble one might think she is going through. The peace and serenity are embodied in this “accessory” which is, to me, the most beautiful symbol that could ever stand for her.
I am well aware that the rest of my family associates her with these pearls, yet I can’t tell if they can all see the true meaning and representation of what these delicately beaded, perfectly crafted ocean creatures mean to her. Even when I’m not with her, or at home, every time I see a pearl necklace I think of my grandmother and all that she means to me. I have always appreciated her for all she has done for the family, and like the pearl necklace, she has never fallen or gleamed any less. Symbols are important parts of our culture, of our nation. In essence, they are part of our human existence. Every single one of us has an item we can relate to, that brings us back down to our origins and our family. To me, these pearls mean even more, because not only do they signal where I come from, but also, where I’m headed to.
