I had an absolutely, lovely, low-key Mother’s Day. We woke up out in Western Massachusetts where we were staying for my brother’s college graduation the night before. I got to see my own mom in the morning and exchange some hugs and treats before we hit the road, stopping on the drive back for a quick visit to wish my mother-in-law a Happy Mother’s Day too! In the afternoon I took a long walk with Jane by the water, played with her in the yard for a bit, and then my husband got us take-out from my favorite Indian restaurant for dinner. It was a totally chill afternoon where I ignored deadlines and emails and to do lists, and that is exactly what was needed!
One of the best treats of Mother’s Day weekend was opening up the mailbox and seeing a pretty little box in the mail arrive from M.Flynn, a darling local jewelry store located in Boston’s South End. I have long admired their shop, and Moira and Megan (sisters and owners!) invited me in recently to learn about what they’re doing with custom and personalized pieces of jewelry. Walking into their South End space is sort of like walking into a life size jewelry box – I ooh-ed and aah-ed as I passed each glass case; it is the perfect balance of on-trend statement pieces (I want these!), delicate heirloom pieces, and fine jewelry.
Moira and Megan showed me all of the ways they customize pieces for clients, and it was both fascinating and inspiring. Their level of customization goes way beyond an engraved monogram (but they do that too!); they offer a service to take heirloom pieces and rework them into something current and fresh. I love this idea; it gives unworn pieces you’ve been storing in your jewelry box a new life. (Follow their Instagram page to see some awesome examples of how they have reworked heirloom pieces!).
It got my wheels turning on some ideas I had for a custom piece, and we chatted about how to bring some of them to life. I wanted a piece of jewelry that had Jane’s initials and my husband’s initials on it, for it to feel both modern and timeless, and be a piece that I could wear daily (I used to wear a ton of jewelry pre-mom life, but my accessories have been pared down quite a bit as I spend the day in toddler-chase mode!). They got to work and sent me a bunch of ideas to look over, and after some back and forth they got to work making me a ring that I could stack on top of my wedding band and engagement ring.
When it arrived I basically dropped the box and wrapping paper on the floor because I couldn’t wait to try it on! The delicate ring has JB engraved for Jane, MB for my husband Mike, and three small diamonds spaced in between the engravings – one for each of us; the M.Flynn ladies added that if we have another kid it can be added onto with more initial engravings in the future – and idea I absolutely loved. We also decided to add a little secret engraving on the inside, the number 62, which is a lucky number for me. It’s the street number of the house I grew up in, and is a nod to my siblings and parents. The ring came out beautifully, and I love the sentiments that went into each detail of the design.
If you’re local, stop in to the M.Flynn shop on Waltham Street and see what a magical little spot it is; and if you’re not in Boston, visit them online to see the beautiful pieces they’re creating!
Please note: M.Flynn gifted me this piece of jewelry; all opinions, images and content are my own. Thank you for continuing to support brands that support this site!
That’s beautiful Jane you’ve inspired me to visit there.