We often are contacted with custom order requests and we enjoy the process immensely. Of course we love designing pieces just for fun but working with a client, interpreting their vision, and designing something special just for them, is a lot of fun too.

Most of the time, requests for custom orders are for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or a special birthday. Recently I was contacted to design a different kind of custom order and I wanted to share that story with you.

A little less than a year ago, my very good friend lost her mother to cancer. Only a short 8 weeks after her initial diagnosis, she passed. It all happened so quickly. Michelle has spent the last year dealing with the loss of her mom, feeling roller coasters of emotions I can only begin to understand and for some reason, through all that, she’s been a huge support to me, always there to listen and offer an ear when I’ve had a bad day. My bad days are nothing compared to what hers have been, but there she always is.

I’m always honoured when people choose me to design their custom jewellery. It’s a significant thing to be involved in something that is so sentimental to our clients but this was my first request from a close friend, and my only request for something of this nature. A commemorative necklace, for Michelle and her Baba (grand-mother), in honour of her mother.

Michelle and I (over emails, because she lives in Halifax) talked about design details, what stones to incorporate and sizing required. When the pieces were complete I shipped them out, one to Halifax for Michelle and one here locally in Edmonton for her Baba.

I cried when we discussed the design, I cried while I was making the necklaces and I cried when I put them in the mail. They’ve become quite precious to me, as I hope they are for Michelle and Mrs Kolada.

Thanks for indulging me by reading this blog post.

-Roxy