I have always been taught that an artist needs to find inspiration in all different areas of life, not just the medium you’re working in. One of the best examples for this is how I became inspired to make the Annual Necklace. I am a bookworm, and my absolute favorite author is L.M. Montgomery. While re reading her Anne of green gables series (there are 8 books that follow Anne throughout her life, and they are perfect!) I kept noticing the analogy of days being beads or pearls slipping off a string.
After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.
L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
For Anne the days slipped by like golden beads on the necklace of the year.
L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
counting days of pregnancy like silver beads on a rosary
L.M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams
Like all of L.M. Montgomery’s writing, this created such an elegant poetic picture about the passing of time. There are many necklaces that have been used throughout history and in many cultures that use beads to count and mark, like the Catholic Rosary or Buddhist Mala. The Annual necklace has 365 beads to represent the 365 days of the year in the Gregorian calendar. I then decided that Important or stand out days should be signified by special beads. It makes sense as birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations are often some of the most important days in how we mark time.
There is an annual necklace for every person and style. They are consistently offered in the classics collection in 3mm and 5mm size and in sterling silver, 14k gold filled and 14k solid gold. In addition, limited edition releases are coming up with different combinations of metals, pearls, and gemstones. If you’d like to hear about these first, please sign up for our email list! If you have an idea for an annual necklace combination you can’t live without, please contact us for an estimate.
The 3mm necklace has 3mm beads with 5mm special beads. It is around 43” long and can be worn long or looped twice. The 5mm necklace has 7mm special beads and is around 72” long. It makes a bolder statement, and can be worn long, looped twice, or three times. They can even be worn wrapped many times as a bracelet. All necklaces are hand strung on chain for strength and sturdiness. The large spring ring clasps were specially chosen for each necklace and can hold charms or pendants to further customize your look.
When checking out, Please write in the comment box each date in the format Month/Day and separate each date with a comma.
Ex.) 2/14, 3/15, 7/4, 10/31
* Each heirloom quality necklace is custom order, therefore please expect a lead time of 2-4 weeks *
