The Strength We Carry

This necklace was created at the end of a tiring day. I had carried groceries up to my apartment, and by the time I began working, I could feel the weight of everything I had carried—not only in my hands, but within myself.

As I figured out what to do with the wooden circle by attaching numerous materials and findings, I thought about how ordinary things can hold more than one purpose. Something can be beautiful while also being thoughtful, useful, and quietly intentional. In the same way, people often carry more than anyone can see.

Each strand hangs separately, yet the same circle holds all. That became the meaning of this piece: our experiences may be different, but none of us was meant to carry life entirely alone. Sometimes strength means continuing forward. Sometimes it means allowing another person to lift a corner of what has become too heavy.

The Strength We Carry honors both—the courage within the hands that help us keep going.

Nev