SAPPHAE Stories is an ongoing interview series celebrating sapphic-identifying couples and the jewelry woven into their stories. We speak with real couples to talk about love, identity, and the deeply personal ways they choose to wear both.
Photography: Belle Stanton Photo
Love Story:
Tell us about your relationship: who you are, how you met, and what makes your love story uniquely yours.
Shirl and I were friends before we fell in love. She lived in Western PA and was friends with my older sister. I lived in NJ but would often travel to visit my sister. My older sister casually introduced the two of us during a time that I was visiting. At that time, we were both in relationships and respected that. It was nothing more than an introduction. Time went on and our paths crossed again, only this time we were both single. My sister was still friends with Shirl, so she knew I was visiting sometime soon. She had reached out to me and asked if I was interested in meeting up while I would be in town. I was very interested but also shy. Nonetheless, I am so glad that I agreed to meet with her. We talked for hours and hours about everything and nothing at the same time. Before we knew it, we were looking for our first apartment together.
Jewelry & Identity:
How does jewelry play a role in how you express your identity or relationship?
During the first few months of Shirl and I dating, she had purchased me a bracelet as a graduation present. I was graduating with my bachelor's during COVID, so there was no formal graduation ceremony. Even so, she wanted me to feel special. The bracelet had a charm of an owl with a graduation cap. That sort-of set the tone for us going forward. I still have that bracelet and wear it from time to time as a reminder of that moment and the love we share. Now, we each have several pieces of jewelry from one another. Wearing something with meaning allows us to express our relationship in a way that feels both personal and visible.
Commitment:
What does commitment look like for you and your partner, and how, if at all, have you chosen to symbolize it?
For us, commitment is a continuous choice. It is choosing each other through growth, change, and all the unexpected turns that life may bring. We made this clear when we shared our vows on our wedding day, but we also shared this understanding since the day we exchanged those three magical words: "I love you". Our wedding bands are a reminder of our commitment to one another.
Fashion as Expression:
Have fashion or jewelry ever felt like a form of resistance, visibility, or joy for you?
Like fashion, jewelry has always been a powerful form of self-expression for me. Since I was a little girl, I strategically planned for my jewelry to match my outfits or make sense for the occasion. Shirl agrees. She did not always wear jewelry, but now that she does, she feels empowered. She says, "wearing something that reflects who I am brings me joy".
Looking Forward:
If you could pass one belief about love to the next generation of queer people, what would it be?
If we could pass one belief about love to the next generation of queer people, it would be rather simple: your love is valid exactly as it is. The truth is, there is no "right" way for a relationship to look. The most important thing is finding someone who respects you, grows with you, and allows you to be YOU!
Every love story deserves to be celebrated with something that's unmistakably yours. Browse our SAPPHAE Collections and find the piece that speaks to your story. Whether you're marking a milestone, honoring your identity, or looking for commitment jewelry, there's something here for you.