The Worry Stone
I’ve always been someone that craves something tangible when my world feels out of control. It’s manifested in many ways over the years - ebbing and flowing via shopping sprees, manic organization, painting my office in the middle of the night, touching my face when I’m anxious. I love my job but it’s entirely digital nature sometimes leaves me craving the satisfaction of working with my hands all day, building something that changes and evolves until completion, when I can install it somewhere or leave it in the workshop, finished for the day when the door closes behind me.
This year has left me with an unprecedented sense of upheaval… every day there’s a new ripple of impact as we face grim news about the pandemic, our country, our world - all layered with our own personal manifestation of all of these things in our own lives. In many way, it’s had its silver linings. I’ve had so much time with Nell that I simply can’t go back to watching her grow up via weekends, holidays and school pick ups. There’s been so much trauma this year but there’s also been so much intentional living. Slower days, tighter circles, simpler pleasures.
It’s interesting how this has translated into my physical surroundings as well. I thought after #noshop19 that it’d be impossible to pare down any more than I already had. Yet this year I found myself editing, editing and editing again with very few things coming into our home. Instead I’m putting in that middle window that brings me so much joy, designing a big girl room with Nell that I know she’ll be so proud of and enjoy for years to come.
It’s manifesting in my wardrobe, too. I’ve added much less then I’ve edited out and have been happier then I ever imagined wearing my go-to favorites, even as one of those people that must get dressed every day. I’ve also edited my jewelry down to exactly one pair of “costume” earrings and then my every day pieces. I was scrolling instagram a few weeks ago and stumbled upon a new-to-me jewelry brand that carried the most unique collection of vintage charms (as you can imagine, the name Fewer Finer spoke to me and my minimalist approach to living immediately :) I was reminded of a charm bracelet I had as a child and went down the rabbit hole of their site, discovering both their delicate signature collection and the fact that they are a women-owned small business.
I fell for The Worry Stone immediately - exactly what I envisioned as a gift to myself this year. A tangible, beautiful token, perfectly described on the site:
“The idea for this necklace came from the realization that touch is the most grounding sense and the desire to provide that in a piece of jewelry. This necklace is meant to be held, touched, and rubbed - a release for your worries and an ode to the timelessness of solid gold.
This necklace comes without a clasp, encouraging you to move and touch it throughout the day.”
The versatility and visual interest of the piece as well as Madison’s story were a striking combination that I felt would be as interesting to all of you as it was to me, so I reached out about working together. I was able to connect with Madison via video for an hour (could’ve easily spent two!) to learn more about her company and the story behind The Worry Stone.
She shared that it’d taken her months to make the mold - it’s harder then you’d think to create something that looks organic but polished and feels interesting to touch and hold as well. It needed to have a substantial enough weight to feel like something that was meant to be worn regularly while maintaining the delicacy of fine jewelry. Somehow she succeeded, creating a necklace that feels both modern and timeless. It’s thoughtful in every detail - there is no clasp, so you can mindlessly slide it back and forth with no interruption.
We talked about her supply chain and why it’s so important to her to stay rooted in New York City’s Diamond District….unlike many jewelers that manufacture pieces from start to finish, she works with a dedicated craftsman for each stage of creation. Her diamond cutter only cuts diamonds. Her polisher only polishes. This enables her to work with the best specialists for every step of the process.
As an avid fidgeter, constantly touching my face or hair when I’m stressed, I can speak to the grounding nature of this wearable worry stone. I find myself playing with it all day on Zoom calls and look forward to wearing it with breezy dresses in the summer, as the weight of the Stone pulls the chain perfectly over your collarbone.
The Worry Stone is my gift to myself this year and I’m honored to add it to my daily jewelry edit. I’m grateful for Madison’s partnership and look forward to sharing this piece with future generations of my family.
Thank you for shopping small this holiday season. The Worry Stone is ready to ship, but due to Fewer Finer’s conscious production model, ordering in the next week is highly recommended for guaranteed holiday delivery.
Disclaimer: I was provided a partial purchase credit in exchange for my blog post and invested in covering the rest of the cost.
