A young man came into the Gallery the other month, with some family rings in one hand and his sweetheart holding on to the other. His family was from Maine, but he had moved away seeking work and new opportunities. He and his fiance were always fond of and nostalgic for their childhoods here in New England, and so decided to return here to create their wedding rings. These rings would forevermore, no matter where across the world they travelled, remind them of their homes and families in the trees and mountains.

The couple brought in a few old family rings, that they wanted to reuse to create their own bands. While we sat and chatted about size, design, and the like, the man cheerfully recounted to me the stories of each ring that he had brought.

“This one,” pointing to the first, “was my great-grandmother’s. And this, my great aunt’s.” He smiled and seemed nostalgic as he turned the rings in his hands. The girl grinned too, happy that the man could relive the memories of his youth when looking at his beloved family heirlooms.

“This one though, this one is extra-special. This ring belonged to my grandmother, and she and her beau bought it in Switzerland on a whim when they went on vacation. Isn’t it stunning?”  And the ring was gorgeous. Comprised of eight sapphires and ten diamonds, the ring was a beauty, forged in the old style.

The couple wanted to reuse these rings to create new, modern rings that would suit them and their style and lifestyle, all while holding close a keepsake that contained joyous memories. And my oh my, did they turn out to be stunners!

Out of the family rings we were able to reuse the gold to create new bands for the couple, and out of the collection of old stones we were able to create three stunning rings. For the woman, two yellow gold bands with five diamonds each. And for the fellow, one bulkier yellow gold band set with the stunning cabochon sapphires.

When they returned to the shop, this time with the young man’s mother as well, we couldn’t help but feel excited and a little bit nervous about whether or not they would like the new rings. Their reaction was so much better than expected! Smiles all around, and even some tears from mom, and we knew that we had done well.

These rings that are so dear to such a young couple, and symbolize their eternal love and commitment for each other, are made even more special knowing the history behind the gold and stones. Cradled in the gold and comfortingly circling their fingers are memories both old and new, that will be passed down from generation to generation: as are the stories of how the rings came to be.

     Harvest Gold is excited to share that over the past week, Lynda and Bill celebrated their 36^th wedding anniversary! And, like any doting parent, we are over the moon to announce that both of the Harvest Gold kids, Carley and Morgan, have become engaged! Carley met her fiancée Jake in Europe, while both were on study abroad programs at Stetson University. They fell in love while riding the trains, and sharing music together!  Carley and Jake have spent they last few months working as freelance photographers and journalists. They have travelled all over the world together, from L.A to Switzerland to Southeast Asia, and are returning home to Lovell this summer. Morgan met Alison while working here in Maine: at the Saco River, to be exact! Over the years they have moved back and forth between Maine and California (Lake Tahoe), and have built a happy life together, with a much-loved dog named Scout. While neither of the happy couples has yet to set a date, we know they will be over the moon to be together no matter what the future may bring. 

From left to right: Lynda and Bill, Morgan and Alison, Jake and Carley

Lynda built both Carley’s and Alison’s engagement rings, working with their beaus to produce custom rings from heirloom gemstones and gold. We would love to work with you in a similar process to create custom jewelry to help you build your perfect wedding!

We can recycle your old family jewelry into something new and beautiful, just for you!

Here are some of our suggestions for a beautiful wedding, no matter the time of year!

     Personalized weddings bands made from heirloom or recycled gold, or with local stones to represent the deep, earthly bond between you and your loved one. From rings that surround your finger in a band of never-ending mountains, to braided rings that symbolize your deep ties and connections to your other, the perfect ring for you can be found here at Harvest Gold! 

    Light and airy bridal jewelry, such as these stunning intertwined 14k gold White Mountain bracelets, to compliment the bride’s smile and to reflect the joy of the occasion. These bracelets can be easily dressed up or down to suit any style of celebration!

    Or perhaps a set of two wave bracelets, that when worn together, make calming curves of infinity around your wrist? Representing your never ending love and devotion, these cuffs will become a family heirloom that you can pass down and love for decades to come. 

     A hand hammered 14k gold linked necklace for the mother of the bride! On this special day, mom deserves to be recognized for her undying love and support of the happy couple. 

     These sterling silver charm necklaces make the perfect gifts for bridesmaids! We love the two pine trees on this charm representing the soon-to-be-married couple. This pendant will be a sweet and everlasting reminder of this wonderful occasion!

 "Ming's Summer Bouquet," by Jean Swan Gordon

    And come to us for all your wedding gift needs! From beautiful handblown glass, paintings of every medium, to rustic wooden sculpture, the perfect heartfelt gift can be found within our walls or gardens. 

 Whatever your wedding style, we hope that we at Harvest Gold can help you make your wedding sparkle just a little bit more!

                                                                             —Lynda and Bill