BLOG.EXPRESSIONSOFGRIEF.COM

BROKEN CIRCLE - TESTERS NEEDED

Diane — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:02:09 GMT

The Broken Circle ring was designed to remember a family member, often the phrase "the Circle is broken" refers to a family member passing.

I had this ring designed, cast and plated. In my impatience to get this new design, I made the mistake of not testing the quality before I ordered a large quantity.

The plating wore off within a few weeks and caused untold heartache.

I tried to find a local plating company's that would do this for me, and all refused.

I replaced the sold rings with rings that were coated with a poly resin. They are thicker, hypo-allergic and have never been returned for wear.

Recently I decided to redesign the ring with the company that makes my steel rings. The new Broken Circle ring will be made in steel, have hearts on both ends and a slightly different shank. I am awaiting final revisions, BUT that is a different story.

(Oh, and also in the works is an Irish black claddagh ring (the hands holding the heart, only this will have the hands holding a broken heart) ....

While talking about the new ring, I lamented that I wished I could have found a company to replate them. He mentioned that he had a friend with a high end plating company and he would ask for a favor to see what they could do. (TY GOD)

So I sent a range of sizes to them hoping for a solution. A few weeks passed and I got a call.

First they had to remove the old finish, and then they did a magical process and applied 10 times the amount of plating that was there before. They believe that this new finish will last for years.

I plaintively asked how much this new process would cost, and I held my breath as he told me.

It was expensive but certainly doable. He was in the process of sending me the results.

He said, have them worn and see how they wear.

Instead of wearing 10 rings on my fingers and toes, I will have them customer tested.

My daughter is hard on rings and she has opted to test 1 for me.

I am recruiting volunteers to test the ring.

Postage will be the only cost.

Kayla- Which Ring for me?

Diane — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:04:02 GMT

Hi! My name is Kayla. I saw you on "Greggies Widow''s page on fb. I lost my fiancé and father of my little girl at 23 in July of 2011. I have been searching for something like this and I am so glad I found it. But I cannot decide which one to choose. and I see that they all have things they represent. So my question to you, is do you have a suggestion as to which ring or type of ring I should look into getting? One that symbolizes my "situation" the best?
If not I will just have to pick one!

Thanks so much and what you do is incredible.

Hi Kayla,

I am sorry that you have to endure such heartache, and it is my mission to help ease your journey of healing.
I usually leave the choice up to each widow depending on her own personal symbolism.

But I am going to go out on a limb and offer a suggestion based on your age and situation.
(and the urging that comes sometimes when designing a ring).

I am leaning toward the HEART OF STEEL for you, because dear woman, you are going to need to have a heart of steel to walk this journey while caring for your daughter and provide a strong role model for her. This ring was made for you.

You would get a lifetime of wear with any one of the stainless steel rings.
You can wear it as long as you want without fear of it losing a stone or needing replating.
You can wear it while doing housework and when playing with your daughter.
You can wear it 24/7 you can wear it on your ring finger and also on your thumb.
The ring is simply a black band with a small broken heart etched into the ring.
It can withstand any challenge life sends to it, and will give you the strength to do the same.

The rings were blessed with Strength and Healing Prayers were said over them.
I believe they are infused with the courage that will help through the most difficult times ahead.

The steel rings are made for the younger women. They are made from modern materials, forged in fire to become stronger than before, shine with courage while bearing their broken heart.

Kayla, I don't know why I feel so strongly about this for you, and if you are urged toward another ring, go for it.
And if looking at another ring, please consider this ring as an everyday ring, and the other ring as a 'dress ring'.
Ultimately the choice is yours - good luck with that.
Just know that as soon as you put on the ring, you will feel an easing of your burden, you will breath for the first time in a while, and you sleep most likely will improve.
I have this ring in sizes 4-14 (charm to thumb) and when your daughter is bigger - she could have a permanent memento of her dad as well.
Remember, you can use the coupon code SOAR for a 10% discount.

Do you mind if I put this conversation in my Comments section of my web store? (Am using the comments as a FYI)

http://www.ExpressionsofGrief.com

Diane

Thank you so much for your opinions. It really makes a difference.
I am going to look at that ring it sounds wonderful an just what I'm looking for. I'll look at it as soon as I get to work.
Thank you so much.
And of course you can use it on your comments section thank you again. So much.

Kayla,

SERENITY RING & CANDICE

Diane — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:30:13 GMT

Hello,

I have found what I've been looking for in your black Serenity rings. I want 3 but need to know that I will have them in hand within 2 weeks. We lost my father 2 years ago, now my mother. I want to have these rings in time for her funeral, 2 will be a gift to my brother and sister.
Also.. I've seen the same ring on another website. It was mentioned to order up a size when ordering this particular ring. Do you find this to be true?
Thank you in advance..

Regards,
Candice eBay

Hello Candice,
I am sorry for your loss,
I just buried my father a week ago and gave the rings to the family to remember him and my mother, And yes in every case they needed a size larger than they thought. But I was lucky to have the rings with me for immediate sizing.

1st where are you? I should be able to get them to you within 4 days after order.
What sizes do you think you need?
I think what we should do is order a size larger than you need - and I will send a spare size larger than you wear.
After you determine which ones you don't want- you can mail the spares back to me. It is important to have all of you in a comfortable size.

The rings are really nice and are a perfect tribute.
I cant offer discounts on my eBay site but, when you use the website you can use

https://www.ExpressionsofGrief.com

use coupon code SOAR for a 10% discount on the check-out page.

In comments section write a note about the spare rings I am to send you.

I work out of my home and check the computer (my laptop) frequently) so I can make sure you get your order shipped promptly.

Blessings,

Diane

Hi Diane,

Thank you so very much for your quick reply. I do appreciate it!

I live in No. Dartmouth, MA, so the mailing time from MD to here isnt that bad.

My mother and father both lived in Bowie, MD for 20+ years. Small world.

I'm getting ready to order the 3 rings I need. I want them to all be worn on the middle finger.

My size is 10, so if I understand this right, I'll order an 11 for both myself and sister?

My brother I have to guess on .. he has no clue. So its a 13 for him.

I wanted to mention the beautiful, heart-touching site I came across and just realized it was yours. I am so sorry for your loss, but so grateful for this beautiful idea you came up with on the Black Serenity Rings. I am hoping they bring a measure of peace so needed at this time for my sister, brother and myself.. so thank you for that.

I appreciate the offer of sending the extra sized rings, but I hesitate on the offer. I'm not sure if you meant you'd send the "real" sized ring in addition to the larger one. I apologize, but Im alittle confused there.

Anyway, this is turning into a book.. thank you again for such a wonderful idea. I will definately spread the word on these rings.

Take care,

Candice

P.S. Thank you kindly for your discount.. it helps!

It is solace to be included in your journey, as helping you helps me.

Last week I buried my father and today is the anniversary of my husbands death.

I mailed the rings this morning so you should get them soon, with enough time to check the sizes.

Since you ordered on eBay- you could not use the discount coupon- it only works on my site. But I am sending you and your sister (or just you) 2 pairs of pierced "Dark Journey" earrings. One is in the white gold and one is gold. I hope you like them. It is very hard to find appropriate black accessory's, so I added them to the designs.

Remember to use the website www.expressionsofgrief to use the coupon code SOAR for 10% savings and returning customers can use the coupon code ALWAYS for a 15% discount.

Diane

Hi Diane,

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and now the anniversary of your husbands death.

You tend to think back and relive that day all over again, it isnt easy. So much sorrow in such a short amount of time. I had no idea how I would feel until the deaths of my Mother and Father happened. We were just starting to come around from my dad dying when we suddenly lost Mom .. I'm hoping the rings will bring a measure of comfort to all 3 of us. (somehow, I think they will).

I look forward to seeing what you sent on the earrings.. thank you for that!! What is the charge for those?

I will use your regular website from now on, thanks for the reminder.

I will be in touch when I receive my rings and earrings

Your in my thoughts and prayers today Diane.. take care of yourself.

Best regards,

Candice

Good Morning Diane,

I received my rings and earrings on Saturday. Thank you for rushing these out to me.
I wanted you to know that I was sent two size 13 rings and one size 11.
It should have been the opposite, but thats ok. I'm going to keep the one size 13 and return the other two rings (1 size 13 and 1 size 11).

Please send two size 10's. The size 11 was too big for my finger. I'll get them in the mail to you on Monday.

Also.. the rings are beautiful and have a nice feel to them. I was delighted to see that the earrings are nickel free, my sister has alot of trouble wearing jewerly, so one of those should work out great for her .. Thank you!!

Looks like I'll be putting another order in for more rings. My son saw what I had ordered and he wants one too.. now I have to check with my other 2 children. Cant give something to one without giving to all. I think I really hit on something here with your rings!!

Thanks again for everything Diane!!

Candice

I guess I AM GETTING SENILE !! Sorry

Don't send any back until you have what you need. I will put 2 size 10's in the mail Monday.

After we get you the sizes you need - you can send them all back at once.

I am happy to hear that you are pleased with the earrings. Black jewelry is almost impossible to find.
I have matching necklaces to those earrings.

Take Care,
Diane

Hi Diane!!

No worries.. I was at the office by the time these emails came in. The rings are on their way back to you. I mailed them from the office this morning and used the same box. I included the paperwork you sent to me in original order along with a sticky note requesting 2 size 10 rings.
I'm sorry, I hope this doesnt mess up your paperwork on all of this. I just wanted to get them back to you ASAP so I could get my other two. It was a nice thought on keeping the rings you've already sent. Sending all back at once would have been cheaper, but I didnt want to hold up any other sales you might have

Thanks so much for everything! I feel like I'm starting to know you here! =)

Take care..
Candice

LOL - PaperworK !! That would make my accountant laugh ..... if I had one.

I do feel as if we are 'kindred spirits". I just did the same thing at my dad's funeral. All of us had a mourning ring, and in fact dad wore one on his left ring ringer in memory of mom.
The grandson's were pall bearers and they had the ring to keep in memory.
On the wreath from the children there were 4 extra white roses that we each brought back. On the grandchildren's, the broken heart there were 7 red roses 1 for each to keep, and on the great -grandchildren's there were 8 buds.
My brother had me take a picture of each, and he is going to put the picture in a deep frame with the flowers (his and his son's).

My kids and grandchildren were able to visit dad in hospice and it was good for them and dad.
We left a composition book there, and we could communicate with each other and the kids would add things dad said or wanted or remembered.
My niece started a list of : "10 Things Pap Taught Me". Each list was memorable and touching.

I also had them make CD's from the pictures they had of Dad. We took our Laptops to the funeral and visitors were able to share our family photos and there was lots of smiling while remembering those times. We had pictures of mom too. The family has CD's of the photos that they can swap and watch or download onto their computers.

I am sure you are holding together and helping your family hold on to the memories - as you are single-minded in your pursuit of "family" too.
Keep it up - you can sleep later.
Diane

Good Morning Diane,

Well, Im sitting here with my new ring on my finger.. it fits
perfectly.. thank you!!!
I"m so happy to have it on.. I notice though that now that I have it
on, the grief is coming back again.. I guess the ring is a real
symbol, something to hold, grieve and remember.
I know the smiles will come at the many memories we had. I like to
think of this as a tribute to both my Mother and Father since we lost
both in just over 2 years.

I'm not sure how I missed your email below, describing what you did
for your father.
What a beautiful service you had for him. I really liked the
symbolism you did with the flowers too. The notebook was another good
idea and one I wish I could have used.
Mom suffered a bad stroke, it came out of the blue.. there really
wasn't much communication from her. My brother, sister and I were with
her everyday trying to make her comfortable and make her laugh.. I
believe she knew we were there with her, knew who we were. She tried
talking with her eyes, and there were times when we knew exactly what
she wanted or didnt want .. lol .. We had just gotten her into rehab
in D.C. when she suffered another stroke and we lost her the next day.
She waited for me to get back to DC to see her one last time, the
Dr's didn't think she'd last that long, but she waited... It all
happened so fast, from beginning to end, it was just over 2 weeks. We
all held onto hope until the end. Now we lay her to rest with Dad in
Arlington on the 1st.. the rings will be a memento to them both.
I'm so sorry for your loss too Diane, with the holidays coming and the
grief we both share on the loss of a parent, well, I'll be thinking of
you and saying a small prayer for you and yours.
Thank you so very much once again for doing this with the rings. I
cant express how grateful I am to have one.
Take care of yourself. You might be hearing from me one more time in
December. My eldest son is flying in from CA for the funeral. I will
ask him if he would like a ring too.. so there might be one more order
from me! lol ..

God Bless,

Candice

P.S. Almost forgot.. I ordered the size 12 for my youngest son this morning

Journey Ring - rhodium into gold

Diane — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:10:18 GMT

Dear Widows Ring,

Do you have THE JOURNEY RING in Gold ? (the answer was not at this time)

Carrie

Dear Diane,
I didn't forget about you, your encouraging words or that Journey Ring. It's just been... well....you know how it goes.

I keep trying to order from the website, but my old browser just can't seem to connect properly, so I hope you don't mind if I order via this email.

Please send a Journey Ring in SIZE 6 to me

I hope to hear soon that this wonderful item is on its way. If you happen to have a brochure, please include it, as I've told my therapist about your line and she's very interested in it.

Thanks again from the bottom of my broken little heart.

Hi Diane,
We just got off the phone and I wanted to thank you for our chat.

I need all the help I can get with the healing process.

Carrie

Carrie,

Loved talking to you. You will make it- you have identified your pain, found the path you need to walk, and are focused on the survival of that strong, wounded woman that lives within you.

Diane

Hi Diane,
First, a great big thank-you for the journey ring It really soothes the ache on the fourth finger of my left hand, and I can feel the healing in my heart.

Now I have a question. I want to try washing the ring in a product (--I've used before with great results--) which applies a coat of gold to almost any metal. Before I put it on the rhodium, I wondered if there is a lacquer coating on this jewelry. Do you happen to know?

Thanks again,
Carrie in Chicago

Carrie,

First I am so thankful to have helped in your healing journey, as it helps in mine.

When I 1st put on a mourning ring- I breathed for the 1st time in a long time - I had not realized it until then.

But as to your product- I have no idea what will happen.

I know the manufacturer says to wash with soap and water and to avoid caustic detergents and hand wipes (as they contain alcohol). They do not want you to put the rings in the ring cleaning solutions or sonic cleaners.

The rhodium is like a white gold metal- it is a member of he platinum family.

I know that the thin coat of precious metal (rhodium or gold) is applied and electroplated to a base metal usually brass.
The diamond CZ's are high quality and should survive almost anything. The ring is really inexpensive -so I say go for it.

Good luck,

Diane

Diane,
I dipped my ring in a 24k solution and it's beautiful! It's a one-of-a-kind symbol of my unique journey, and served as a great reminder that being "crafty" (cross-stitch, beading, painting, etc.) always lightens my heart.

Thanks for uging me to "go for it"...and of course, thanks again for your wonderful company.

Carrie in Chicago

Wow that is great. What did you use? Let me know how it wears.
Keep creating ... that is the angels whispering to us.
Diane

Diane,
Go to medallionprod.com and investigate the LIQUID GOLD PLATING SYSTEM. It's just come back on to the market after years of unavailability, but I've been a fan for decades. It's just a clear liquid
embedded with real gold, and it comes with a little "swisher" basket and a metal plate.
All you do is microwave the liquid for about a minute then drop almost any metal item (except tin, lead, aluminum or stainless steel) into the basket, swirl it around for about 30 seconds and--voila!--
it's gold plated. I've used it on all kinds of things (mostly old jewelry) and had great
results. I think they have a silver version, too.

And.....you're right about those angels.

Carrie

2 month widow

Diane — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:36:06 GMT

Dear Widows Ring,

Hello!

I didn't realize, until after I'd paid, that this ring is gold. Could I switch this gold one, for a silver/rhodium one? I love the design, and it will go perfectly alongside my diamond silver channel ring. My Rob passed July 22nd, and my world has been totally flipped. I miss my best friend, and my heart is broken forever.
Please let me know if this swap is possible. I'd sure appreciate it!
Cathy

- chatteyone

Cathy,

Sure I will switch gold to rhodium, no problem.

Your world has crashed and your pain .... is relentless.

When you put on the ring some of the weight will be lifted.

Just remember to breathe, try to sleep, and know that you will never be the same again.

Your heart is broken and the scabs that hold it together are fragile.

Don't be surprised by unexpected tears, and by the inability to make simple decisions.

Expect to be lonely and feeling lost.

You can survive but it won't be without becoming another person.

I could only heal by helping other women with the same pain.

These fall days still make me sad.

Although in different years, I lost my Mom in September, my father in October and my Husband in November.

I wish I could do more for you, more than just change the size.

Maybe knowing that there are others going through this pain will let you feel less alone.

I call us "Sisters in Sorrow" and feel a kinship in our journey.

There is a web group that pairs up new widows with older widows for support, through the Internet. You might find that helpful www.soar.org, also www.youngwidow.com is very supportive.

My heart goes out to you.

And if you want to order the Broken Heart Ring at a later time, use the coupon code ALWAYS (check out page) at my website http://www.ExprssionsOfGrief.com for a 15% discount.

Take care of you,

Diane

Which Widows Ring?

Diane — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:22:23 GMT

Dear WidowsRing,

two questions
first is this for a widow or the band style
second how long usually does the gold last and do you redip with gold plate? well that is three questions I don't know if I should get this one I would have to wear on my right hand the band I could wear over my wedding ring what did you do?

- jackandtommysmom

Dear jackandtommysmom

For a widow that wants to continue to wear her wedding rings, the thin eternity bands fit nicely next to those rings.
The journey ring also fits well.
The wider bands are best worn alone to replace the wedding rings when it feels right to remove them, or you do not want an empty finger or to appear as if your are single.
The solitaire is designed to wear alone, but many wear them with their other rings.

I have worn every ring that I offer and each has something to say.
When I 1st started looking for a widows ring for myself, my sister asked me "What does the Widows Ring look like?
I knew at that moment that there is no 1 ring for everyone, but there needed to be choices, as each person has their own journey of grief to walk and that journey is different for each of us.
The rings speak to us differently so what I would do is not what you should do-follow your heart.
The rings are so inexpensive, because I want them where they will be loved.
But there is absolutely no reason not to have more than one- which is what I did and continue to do-.
Today(5years a widow) I am wearing the sterling silver Broken Heart where my engagement ring once was, and next to it sits the all black 3-4mm eternity ring.
On my right hand, in memory of mom and dad is the red Broken Heart with the black band.
Last week I wore the ALWAYS IN MY HEART & SOUL RING on my thumb, with the HEART of Steel on my ring finger.
And no, I am not a gypsy .. but I wear each one, and each has a different feel.
You will know you made the right choice -when you put on your ring the 1st time - you look at it and sigh.
In a few moments you will begin to breathe .. which you have not done in awhile. And it just feels right.

The plating is the thickest available. Most jewelry only has 7-9mmg, while mine is over 30mmg. It does wear off but not for awhile, and with proper care the plating could last for about a year. They can be replated and there is a solution available to do it at home.

Diane

Dear widowsring,

Thank you so much as I cannot take off my rings if I wanted to (I am still swollen with fluid from having my son who is almost two I have lost seventy pounds of water but still holding had to take it off for a while but the first time I got it back on could not get it back off) I like the eternity band but think it may not fit on my low setting I am going to give this ring to my older son to put in a safety deposit box for when he gets married when I can take it off. I thought I could wear this one on my left hand ring finger I will get the other once I can take off my diamond. I think this will be the one for me. Oh, do you have a regular site?
Thank you,
jackandtommysmom, kate, a friend in grief.
I never thought you where a gypsy must have been someone else

You were wed

Diane — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:43:55 GMT

When another person holds the key to your heart and soul, they understand and support you, they make you a better person, and you fit together like puzzel pieces - should anyone devalue that precious time you were given?

You were wed, melded, and joined by mutual feelings.

The computer age has its drawbacks but miraculously it has the ability to find others that feel just as you do.
Please check out this blog. Greggieswifey , you will find kindred spirits.

Today- 6 on a scale of 1-10

Diane — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:36:37 GMT

Never, ever, did I think I would blog..... but it feels very intimate and is the perfect spot to remember correspondences.

Got the nicestest comment today on ebay.

Dear widowsring,

I've already left feedback but they just don't leave enough room to say what all I feel. I just wanted to personally thank you for everything you've done with my purchase. Your communication was great and shipping...it actually came a day earlier then I expected and that was only 3 days! The box for the ring took my breath away when I opened it as I never expected a rose. As for the ring, it is absolutely beautiful. As we know, one of the hardest things to do is to take your rings off. This ring you designed really will express my feelings and help to take away the emptiness. I've only had it on for today but I found myself looking at it every chance I got. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only designing such a beautiful, meaningful ring, but for such wonderful, sincere service that you gave to me from start to finish with my order. Thank you!

- jspur10

Good night hun

Why I designed a widows ring.

Diane — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:42:00 GMT

Hello. You have reached my web page. My name is Diane I am a now widow and I will share you my concept of a Widow's Ring.

Although I was a hospice nurse and thought I understood the burden of loss, I did not expect an amputation of my soul with his death. I did not expect the abyss, the constant loneliness, the separation from all our friends and family. I did not accept the urging from the counselors, the family, the friends, the co-workers to accept the inevitable, to get the grieving done, to "move on". It meant to me - FORGET.
I would not, could not erase him from my heart and mind and soul. I will always remember - he remains a part of me.
The 1st time I checked off the box [ ] widow- my world crashed. I understood complete solitude - I was NOT married anymore. So what did the rings he had placed on my finger mean? Should I wear a wedding ring when I was not wed?, should I remove them and bury them in a box ? Should I wait for a year to have a barren, empty, lonley finger as well as my life?
No... I will not !

What made sense to me, what was right for me may not be an answer for anyone else.
What I NEEDED was something tangible, touchable, visible and with me constantly, something I would wear as long as I felt the need. Something that held the love, the commitment, something eternal that did not end.

I envisioned a mourning ring, a ring in memory of our love, a ring that showed "Gone was not Forgotten", a symbol that endured into eternity, that showed the continuing grief, that showed Who I was now. I had lost a partner, a love, a friend in this life and I had lost myself. Didn't he deserve more than "moving on?"

My search took months, of endless tearful nights on the internet (you can find anything on the internet). I searched "widow ring" - and got endless Halloween spider rings, a reference to a widows "mite' ring". I searched "mourning jewelry" and found antique and expensive mementos of a Victorian Era. I search "grief", "my husband died", "I am a widow now", "what now", "what do I do about my rings". I found nothing to signify that a marriage and our life together had suffered a terminal ending.

What should a Grieving Ring look like?
I wanted a ring- a black ring, maybe a black tear shaped diamond. Black to show mourning, My 1st ring was a black diamond , a solitaire, shaped like a huge crystal tear. I felt it reflected my feelings, my solitude, my tears and I felt great comfort when it was placed next to my other rings. But, it was not comfortable with my other rings. So I began to search for another ring I could wear everyday next to my other rings. Someday, when I do take off my other rings, I will wear this ring as a solitary rembrance.