Some treasures are measured not in carats, but in memories woven through generations. Take, for instance, my grandfather's gold ring. It's not just a piece of jewelry; it's a piece of our family history, a tangible link to our past that spans decades.
Edward Melvyn Thomas, was more than just a name etched on that ring; he was the patriarch of our family. Even though he departed this world some 39 years ago, his presence lingers in the stories we share and the cherished mementos he left behind. When my (paternal) grandmother passed away 23 years ago, the ring found a new custodian in my father, the eldest of their three children. Now, as fate would have it, the ring has found its way to me, entrusted by my father, who knows of my passion for precious metals and my commitment to preserving our family's legacy.
But is it an heirloom? That's the question that lingers in my mind. Does it need to pass through more hands, spanning more generations, before it earns that title? Or is its significance rooted not in the number of owners, but in the stories it carries and the love it symbolizes?
Standing tall on the far right-hand side
My grandfather was a man of stature, both figuratively and literally. Standing tall at the helm of his life's endeavors, he carved a path through the rugged terrain of South Wales, laboring in the depths of iron ore mines. His legacy, intertwined with the rich history of Llanharry's mining community, speaks volumes of resilience and determination.
The iron ore mines of Llanharry, dating back to the early 3rd century, bear witness to the toil of generations. And amidst the echoes of pickaxes and the rumble of carts, my grandfather toiled, rising through the ranks to become the owner and manager of an iron ore mine in our ancestral village.
Photo of the mine Circa-1960
The closure of the mine in 1971 marked the end of an era, but not the end of my grandfather's legacy. As the pithead was shuttered and the shafts capped, he was bestowed with a commemorative plaque, a token of gratitude for his years of service and dedication. The rare eath mineral found in these mines were exported globally and help shape the nation by being used to forge some of the buildings, bridges and structures still standing to this day.
The sister if this quartz/calcite gemstone can still be found on display in the national museum of Wales. This one however, still remains at my parents house.
Now, let's talk about the ring itself—a sturdy, substantial piece of craftsmanship. Weighing nearly 15.2 grams, it bears the hallmark of Birmingham, a testament to its British roots. Its 9-karat gold composition whispers of a bygone era, its value transcending mere monetary worth. As for its market value? It's a mere £290/300, give or take. But to me, its worth is immeasurable. No sum of money could tempt me to part with it, for its true value lies in the intangible—the memories, the stories, the legacy it represents.
And as I slip the ring onto my finger, I can't help but marvel at its sheer size of it. Now my hands arent small by any stretch if the imagination, but the diameter of this ring dwarfs my own fingers. Its not a piece i can ever see me wearing vut it is a tangible reminder of my grandfather's larger-than-life presence. It's not just a ring; it's a connection to my roots, a reminder of who I am and where I come from. So, is it an heirloom? Perhaps. But more than that, it's a beacon of family ties, a symbol of enduring love, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. And for that, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
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40+yr old, trying to shift a few pounds and sharing his efforsts on the blockchain. Come find me on STRAVA or actifit, and we can keep each other motivated .
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