More Than Gold
By Neely Mallik
Image from Neely Mallik
Everyone has their own language of storytelling. It could be through writing, speaking, drawing, photography. These things let us remember a time and a place and a feeling, and the moments worth coming back to.
My stories are told through my jewelry. A memory passes through my mind each night as my rings clink onto my bedside table, and another memory passes through as I slip them back on each morning.
There’s the delicate gold chain that once belonged to my grandmother. It rests against my collarbone just as it did on her, a reminder of resilience and grace. She wore it through her youth, through struggles and celebrations, and now it carries her presence with me. When I clasp it around my neck, I feel the weight of generations before me.
Then there’s the silver bangle from India, where my grandmother was born. The metal is cool against my skin, a constant connection to my roots. I think of the markets, the sounds, the stories of my family’s past, all wrapped around my wrist like a silent tribute to where I come from.
There’s the ring I got from a kind old woman on a trip to the coast of France. We struck up a conversation, sharing stories as the sea breeze carried laughter between us. She gave me this ring as a parting gift, and when I wear it, I remember the joy of unexpected connections, of fleeting but meaningful encounters, and a perfect trip.
My graduation ring from my mom is more than just a symbol of achievement—it’s a testament to her unwavering support, her belief in me even when I doubted myself. When I slip it on, I feel her pride, her love, and the sacrifices she made to get me here.
Then there’s the spoon ring, carefully shaped and crafted just for me. It holds a quiet significance, a reminder of care, of thoughtfulness, and of a story retold. Its curves and edges remind me of the beauty that can be found in transformation, in taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary.
Each piece is a fragment of my story. More than gold, more than silver, more than gemstones—my jewelry is memory, identity, love, and legacy, carried not just on my body, but in my heart.
