Let's do a little exercise, shall we? 

Close your eyes and imagine a place, anywhere on this little blue speck of ours, that makes you happy. Are you there? I bet it's lovely. 

For one newly-hooded PhD, her favorite place is a spot in the middle of the ocean... She's an oceanographer and a climate scientist!

This talented woman was gifted one of my coordinates rings for her graduation. It's a simple silver band with lots of meaning : latitude and longitude coordinates are stamped into the metal as a reminder of your special place. 

The gift-giver on this occasion was the PhD's mother, Laura. She sent me a thank-you note after the ceremony and it absolutely made my week! 

Hi Cara,

I've just returned from my trip out of town to witness my daughter's dissertation and PhD hooding and couldn't wait to write to let you know how BEAUTIFUL the ring is that you made for her and that she LOVES LOVES LOVES it!  And even more importantly I want to let you know how grateful I was that you went ABOVE and BEYOND to get the ring made and shipped so quickly -- it arrived the afternoon BEFORE her dissertation, which was totally unexpected, but perfect - she wore it for good luck!  I didn't expect to receive it until the following week, at the earliest, so it was a very nice surprise. The box was beautifully wrapped, which I'm not sure you routinely do either, and it was exactly 'HER', if you know what I mean.  She's a scientist, yes, but she's also a lifelong dancer, so the 'girly' touch with the pink bow and the delicate tissue was just the right touch!  I couldn't have done a better job if I'd wrapped it myself :)

Well, I've gone on and on long enough, but I had to let you know how much I appreciated your unbelievable customer service -- can't find that much anywhere these days.

Thanks again!
Laura

This letter from Laura is one of the many reasons that I love my job! It's always an honor to make meaningful jewelry that can become a real part of someone's life. I love to imagine all of the lovely people wearing the items I've made; I hope every piece is part of a happy story that is as precious as that little ring of silver.