Meet Kay, the inspiration behind the custom designed sand dollar ring
Kay’s daughters set out to design a ring that encapsulated her story as seen through their eyes. They chose a sand dollar to represent her fondest memories of family vacations at the beach. While sand dollars appear fragile, they are one of the strongest creatures in the sea signifying her unwavering determination to overcome immense hardship. And of course, pink sapphires to represent the strength of Kay’s love and favorite color.
Kay spent her life in Pittsburgh and its neighboring suburbs. Growing up, her family owned a farm where they raised cattle. At the age of 5, Kay suffered from a fall from the hayloft. Little did she know that this incident would have far-reaching consequences in her life. Years later, at the age of 29, she experienced her first aneurysm. This led leading medical professionals to speculate that the injuries sustained during that childhood fall may have played an indirect role in her health complications.
Kay, a true romantic, fell in love at a young age and defied her mother’s disapproval to marry her husband at 19. She did it anyway with the support of her older brother’s signature. Together, they nurtured three children, but not without tragedy. They lost their eldest child to meningitis at the age of 1. Undeterred by the challenges thrown her way, Kay’s resilience shone through as she battled a brain aneurysm. She endured months with her head packed in ice determined to get back to spending time with her family.
Kay’s fondest memories revolved around family vacations. Her heart brimmed with joy when they embarked on trips to Lake Erie, relishing the time spent in the house built by the family. Immersed in the serenity of the lake, she swam, engaged in card games, and delighted in the company of all the children, including those from the neighborhood. However, it was the Jersey shore that was her favorite getaway, despite the long drive.
Make something meaningful with me
While rings are my favorite to design, I can bring anything you dream up to life (think: necklaces, charms, earrings)! Tell me your story, or the story of the person you’d like to create something for, and I’ll work with you to design something meaningful. Start here.
