Hours of work. Poor light, afraid to make mistakes. His first exam. If he could make – and sell – this ring, he would stay with the jeweller, get training, his future secured.
From behind the curtain, he heard a young woman making her choice. The silence when she tried a new ring on, and then another. Unbearable.
Hours of work.
Sighs from an older woman. He could not see the shop. Rings were selected, then abandoned, in silence.
Hours of work. His future. Was his master right, did he overdo it?
– This one, mother! The tiny pearls, look, how delightful!
From Smycken, the digital jewellery collection of Nordiska Museet, Stockholm (image license CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
This silver ring is made in France, probably in 1880-1890. For the rest, everything in this 100 word story is fiction. If you happen to know more about the style, technique, context, etc, do get in touch or leave a comment. This ring intrigues me to bits!
For the new year, I wish you the strength, patience and beleif to overcome any challenges you may have, big and small.
About Storytime
Inspired by online jewellery collections, I occasionally introduce an image together with a few words. I call it Storytime, because I beleive that jewellery carry so many stories. You are more than welcome to add your own poem, words or thoughts in a comment, be my guest!
galeriaredelius 
beautiful work ❤
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I agree, I just fell for this ring!
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Just delightful— both story and ring. You were able to convey so much with so few words. I simply love how you linked a story to a piece of jewelry. I have never seen that done, and I read quite a bit!! To top it off, I am somewhat of an antique jewelry fanatic, so your entire post fascinates me.
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I enjoy doing this, and I also found it interesting to put a limit on the number of words.
So, you’ll probably know a lot more about antique jewellery than I do! I do like to browse online museum collections. I just feel there is a potential story to every piece…
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PS And on the part of the creator, relief and a deep sense of fulfillment.
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I did make him sweat quite a bit there, but wanted his ring to win in the end.
(I’m assuming the creator was always a man in those days, but I’d be happy if anyone can prove me wrong here!)
Thanks for your comments!
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Love this! The hard work and creative artistry of the jewelry-maker, the anxiety while the customers make their selection–and then, on both sides, satisfaction and delight. Happy New Year to you!
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Thank you. To you as well:)
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I hope the new year has started off well for you – such a baby still, young and fresh, an unwritten page!
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Your “Storytime” is a wonderful idea! Thank you for that!
Best wishes to you for a happy and creative New Year as well.
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Thank you, I’m glad you like it! Let’s see what new jewellery stories/projects/plans we come up with this year!
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The tension held so well in your 100 word fiction G ! … I could imagine the straining of ears … a biting of the lip … and then the beaming smile 🙂
Love the intricate design .
Warm wishes for the new year ahead !
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I’m glad to hear I managed to convey that tension. I reduced the text from +140 words to 100, wasn’t sure I’d left enough in there.
Warm wishes back to you, and thank you for all encouraging comments!
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I like the idea of a story to go with the ring (which I think is beautiful, I love the metal work). I am imagining this one on someone’s finger, and how much the person enjoys the look and feel of it!
Happy New Year.
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I fell for the metal work too, it’s such a delicate pattern. My best wishes back to you for the New Year!
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Very nicely written.Sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement, and assurance.
Happy New Year!
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Yes, and more often than not, things turn out well in the end. Thank you Silvia, and a Happy New Year to you and your family too!
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