Objects have symbolism, energy, and often tell a story.
I was raised to value nature-made and handmade things and have often found myself connected to these objects. I have many collections of rocks from vacations and locations of special significance, plus shells I have made into necklaces as a source of inspiration when I wear them. There is so much unconscious energy in found objects. Look around you. What are those trinkets or treasures you hold dear and would never consider letting go? What is their origin, who are they from, what makes them special?
At the heart of Inspired Jules is the hope that symbolism and positive energy will be felt by the wearer when they connect to a particular piece. There is beautiful energy shared by makers as they create unique handmade jewelry.
This blog post is dedicated to my dad, who always carried what I thought was his "worry rock" in his pocket. I learned after asking him recently to share more about this object just why it was so important to him.
"After graduating high school in 1955, I held several jobs while going to college. Those jobs only paid for three semesters at the University of Wyoming. Unable to afford to continue college, I found a full-time job working for Utah Exploration and Mining out of Salt Lake City. My employment with them lasted for five years, allowing me to travel for projects in five different states including Alaska.
I began working for Utah Exploration in Shirley Basin, Wyoming, where we were searching for and discovering uranium. Most of the workers lived in bunk houses where we slept in double-deck bunks and ate together in a company mess hall.
While staking uranium claims, I discovered a hill covered with small moss agate rocks. I spent many evenings in 1957 gathering these little gems. My father did lapidary at the time, as one of his many hobbies, so he tumbled the rocks for me. After being tumbled the rocks became clear, smooth and highly polished.
As a reminder of my memorable days in Shirley Basin, I started carrying one of the choice agates in my pocket. I carried one until I either lost or misplaced it. Then I'd pick out another from an old peanut better jar where I stored them.
I have carried one of these gems in my pocket for more than 60 years. Sometimes when reaching in my pocket, I feel the agate and am reminded of those early years when I made many lifelong friends while working in the Shirley Basin."
– Len Sostrom