I've always loved symbolism. For example: I have a necklace made of Adventurine to remind me to have strength and courage in my adventures, or perhaps give me some adventures to be brave in. When thinking about this necklace, I remembered a ring I found when I was very young.

I forget how old I was, perhaps in fourth grade. All I remember is that I found a small, pretty ring in the oddest of places: a bathroom. It had a gold band with a bright, white diamond. Whether or not it was authentic, I know not. I washed it off and left it there for a day, and no one came to claim it, so I took it myself.

It was a bit big on my finger; it didn't fit. but I still wore it. I loved that ring.

But one day, it slipped off my finger, and it disappeared. I never found it again, and though I was sad about it, I eventually moved on.

Then, about a year ago, I bought a cheap, yet stylish ring. It was painted gold, and looked like an almost 2D chain circled your finger.

I got it because it looked cool and because it resembled me well: I was and am admittedly chained to negative feelings that never seem to completely wear off. For this, I wore it daily as a reminder.

Time wore it down. The shiny, golden paint faded to reveal copper, and in spots this copper faded to show silver or black metal. Yet, I still wore it, and it looked good, though the copper sometimes turned my finger greenish.

One day, it just vanished.

Then, it came back to me after awhile.
I had it for a bit longer.
It vanished again. A few months passed, and I'd given up on it, when it fell out of a backpack I'd already checked.

I just couldn't escape this ring, and only when it broke and I had to throw it away did it stay away.

I just recently realized that the first ring was innocence.

It's not meant to last. It's beautiful and joy-giving while you have it, even if you know it won't stay with you forever. Yet you obliviously think you'll never lose it if you keep your hand in a fist around it.

If this has taught me anything, it's that looks matter as much as meaning when it comes to jewelry.