18 karat gold

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Cuddly Things

Last weekend I spent a few moments helping my youngest son choose a Valentine’s Day gift for his girlfriend.  He’s eleven…  so, naturally, we were in an aisle surrounded by soft and cuddly plush creations.  The assortment was wild; we saw everything from llamas to unicorns…  including an astonishing array of teddy bears.  In an attempt to find the perfect one, we ambled around – cuddling and squeezing each bear as we went.  I found my mind wandering – stretching to remember the story of how the teddy bear came to be.  

In 1902, the 26th President of the United States – Teddy Roosevelt – embarked on an iconic hunting expedition.  Nearing the end of the trip, Roosevelt was the only hunter who hadn’t killed a bear.  The other participants encouraged him to shoot a captured bear, but he refused – deeming it unsportsmanlike.  The news spread, and a local candy company created a stuffed animal in his honor.  They dubbed it “Teddy’s Bear”.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

For more than 100 years, teddy bears have been beloved by adults and children all over the world.  Perhaps that is what inspired the creation of this sweet brooch.  Made from hand-textured 18 karat yellow gold, this modern pin is absolutely enchanting.  From the fully faceted round diamond in his belly button to his bright sparkling ruby eyes, he is simply irresistible.  I love every bit of him – from the top of his ears to his rounded paws!  I can see this pinned on the lapel of a wool winter jacket or a thick cozy scarf.  Our bear is sure to bring as much joy as any teddy bear ever did. 

My son and I were successful at the end of our shopping trip.  We snuggled at least two dozen bears.  We laughed over some of the more eccentric choices.  We fought the Valentine’s Day crowd and won!  He selected a cute little gift box, a sleeve of Three Musketeers (every girl needs a little chocolate), and a small, extra squishy brindle-furred pup!  No matter how cute the bear, it can’t compare to a boy and his dog.  

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe