Copper armlet with amethyst and jade, ca. 2015
“I remember her sweet smile and kindness, my eagerness, youthful bliss, and a summer of self-discovery.”
About This Item
Creation Date: ca. 2015
Keeper’s Description: This is a worn and bendable bracelet with swirl detailing holding the stones, with the same swirling throughout the bracelet and it’s double band. The copper has tarnished to a deep brown. It features two large spherical stones, jade and amethyst, both still very smooth to the touch. The copper is evenly browned, and the shape is no longer round from bending and unbending to get it around the arm.
Keeper’s Discovery: I bought this on an undergraduate trip to Madrid in 2015. It was late July, and it was incredibly hot, but not terribly humid. It was gorgeous, blazing, dreamy, romantic summer.
The Keeper of Wonder: Julie B.
The Keeper’s Story
Memory (a special moment): I remember buying it from a woman in a shop, I believe near a big park or an open green space. The memory is soft and hazy, but what stays with me is how she looked at me deeply and held up the armlet. She complimented my skin and told me the copper would look good against it. Then she said I was beautiful. It was so sweet to hear those words from a stranger, it felt genuine.
Meaning (why it’s kept): This piece always makes me reminisce on that time - the friends, the language, the fruit! All of it comes back. It makes me think about jewelry making as a beautiful practice, one I would love to try. I remember her sweet smile and kindness, my eagerness, youthful bliss, and a summer of self-discovery.
Legacy (tell the future): I would say that this was such a momentous time in my life. That summer in Spain felt like a coming of age movie, and I felt incredible, independent, and beautiful. I imagine many students feel that way on these study abroad trips. I hope they understand that these interactions stay with you, and to be kind and generous in your compliments to people.
More Details
Curator’s Note: The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration reported that in July 2015, the average temperature was 98°F, with the highest day around mid month at 103°F. There was one day with rain, and it was only 1/4 of an inch, so think a short sun shower.
Collection: Evidence of Wonder: A Living Archive
Contributor: Julie B., 2025
Source: Digital file contributed by Julie to the Evidence of Wonder Collection, 2025
Subjects (keeper identified): Nostalgic, Adventurous, Proud
Rights / Access: This digital image is contributed with permission for display on The Lost Shelf website and is available for viewing for personal, creative, and research purposes only. All other use, including reproduction or distribution, requires written permission from the contributor and The Lost Shelf.
