There’s something quietly powerful about the way jewelry weaves itself into the story of our lives. Sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are hard to express in words, yet they shine through effortlessly when we give (or receive) a piece made with the hands and heart.
Jewelry is a tangible reminder of love, friendship, and shared journeys, and also a keepsake of moments that words can’t always fully capture.
At Kristen Mara, I design each piece to celebrate women… their strength, beauty, and resilience. Gifting jewelry is a way to honor the deep, beautiful bonds we share in ways that feel authentic, timeless, and meaningful.
Over the last 20+ years, I’ve given meaningful and personalized gifts of jewelry to the most important women in my life, and even named a few pieces after them, too.
Jewelry as a Love Language
Gifting jewelry is one of the most intimate ways we express connection. It’s personal, universal, and often tells a story all its own.
One of my favorite personal stories is the custom ring I designed for my daughter, Annabel, a piece that carries my love, pride, and hopes for the woman she is becoming.
Tucked inside the band is a tiny engraved heart — a secret message just for her, reminding her she is always loved and supported, even when we’re miles apart.
I also gifted the Imogen Earrings to my childhood best friend, Natalie, as a nod to our friendship that has stood the test of time. It’s fitting that these earrings, which embody understated elegance and strength (just like Natalie), are now part of her everyday life.
As a maker, not only do I get to create and gift handmade pieces to the most important women in my life, but I also have the honor of naming some of my pieces after them:
-
The Carole Earrings are named after my mother, whose creativity and resilience inspire me.
-
The Imogen Earrings were named for my sister-in-law, a woman of exceptional talent and dynamic energy.
-
Pieces like the Annabel Necklace and Studs and the MacKinnon Cuff (a tribute to my son’s middle name and our family’s Scottish roots) continue the thread of honoring those nearest to my heart.
When you gift a piece that your loved one will wear close to her heart or touching her skin, she will be reminded of the bond you both share.
Jewelry as a Symbol of Lineage and Legacy
Jewelry doesn't just celebrate the present; it also carries our loved ones with us, keeping their memories close.
One of my customers, a proud grandmother, customized her Elements Necklace with the initials of her grandchildren, choosing sterling silver for grandsons and bronze for granddaughters — a deeply personal celebration of her family’s legacy.
Charm jewelry like this allows us to keep our loved ones close to our hearts. Over time, these pieces become family heirlooms passed down for generations and forever connect us to family.
The Shared Journey of Women
Sisterhood isn’t just about bloodlines, and Mother’s Day isn’t just about mothers and daughters. It's about the women who walk alongside us: friends, mentors, sisters, and soul sisters who add richness, laughter, and wisdom to our lives.
My friend Nancy loved and wore her Road Less Traveled Hoops so much that her daughters kept “borrowing” them during visits! Eventually, she gifted each of her three adult daughters a pair of their own. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
Jewelry can be a celebration of the laughter, support, and adventures we share with the incredible women in our lives.
Celebrate the Women Who Inspire You: Top Picks
Each piece is intentionally designed to honor connection, heritage, and adventure. They’re perfect for acknowledging the special women in your life.
Elements Necklace: Customize it to carry the spirit of your family with you, always.
Imogen Earrings: Graceful, understated elegance for women who walk through life with strength and heart.
Road Less Traveled Hoops: A favorite among adventurous spirits, handcrafted with love and designed to be shared.
A Personal Invitation
As you move through your day, I invite you to reflect on the women who have shaped your journey… those whose presence you feel every day, no matter what’s going on in your life.
Whether you’re honoring a sister, a friend, a mother, or yourself, celebrate that bond with a piece that holds love, intention, and meaning.
Explore our collection of handmade jewelry. Each piece is crafted with love, ready to become part of her story.
Explore Heartfelt Jewelry Gifts >
Leave a comment