Jewelry Stories: My Hope Ring

My favorite thing about jewelry is its history and meaning. Even when you buy it for yourself, it’s often to celebrate an occasion. In this new series, I’ll tell the stories of some of my most meaningful jewelry! The logical place to start is with my favorite piece – my Hope ring.

Sometime in 2002 (or 2003, I’m not sure), I was browsing the Pauline Catholic bookstore, probably for a gift for one of my Catholic BFFs. On my way to the register, I noticed a display of simple silver bands engraved with FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. They were clearly meant to be worn as a set. I loved the idea, but couldn’t afford all three (I could barely afford milk at the time). After a few minutes’ pondering, I decided on HOPE. I think my reasoning was that if I was going to wear one of the three graces, hope was the one I needed reminding of the most.

Well, I still need that constant reminder on my hand. In fact, if I ever get a tattoo, it should probably be hope-related.

Over the past ten-plus years, my Hope ring has symbolized so many different hopes. Some were fulfilled, some faded away, some came true and then untrue. Some still sit there, unchanged. But the ring is my common thread. It reminds me of the source of my hopes, and my ultimate hope. It’s my talisman. It’s not fancy or flashy, just solid and reliable. I can wear it everywhere and it never wears out.

But this I call to mind, 
and therefore I have hope: 
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 
his mercies never come to an end; 
they are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. 
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, 
“therefore I will hope in him.”
– Lamentations 3:21-24