II

Roses are red, jewels are blue; everything will be fine if you know what’s inside.

Jewelry carries profound meaning, reflecting individual stories and emotions. Just like the many layers of a person's identity, each piece can represent different facets of life experiences, memories, and aspirations. The intricate designs and craftsmanship involved in jewelry creation mirror the complexities of human emotions, thoughts and actions.

Reflecting on my childhood, I remember the little girl with dirty blonde hair whose room above the garage in Germany, occasionally plagued by spider bites. That experience is only one facet of my early years. The crisp air and the noticeable shifts as each season approached were constants in my life, as were the volksmarches and castles scattered throughout the region.

My upbringing in Germany has shaped many facets of my character. I tend to approach relationships with caution, preferring to know people well before I open up. My love for preserving old architecture, city/walks, enjoying traditional foods, and expressing my honest opinions are all rooted in my experiences there. I am thankful for these experiences as they laid the foundation for my personal and professional growth, enabling me to blossom into the person I am today.

As I grew up, we returned to the US. I could only read in German and went to special needs classes, which led to years of being bullied in school. This made me watch people closely. People who wanted to be seen by the world in a certain way often acted quite differently in private settings. These individuals craved popularity and approval from others, and they sometimes resorted to various tactics, such as manipulation, to achieve their desired outcomes. However, it is important to recognize that our outward appearance, including our clothing and accessories, serves as a reflection of our social status, personal identity, and even our mental state.