I lift a silvery piece from Dad’s top drawer. The same drawer I snooped through as a kid to find coins, keys, and whistles. No longer here, he left these artifacts for me to sort through and ponder. A modest piece of jewelry, yet elegant and ornate, the silver bracelet speaks to me of stories Dad didn’t share. Mom remembered receiving this gift when she and Dad dated in 1947, yet I’d never seen her wear it. “Take it,” she said. Since that day, I rarely take it off. 

Curious, I explored the meaning behind this antique cuff bracelet. Who made it? Where was it made? What is it made of? I wondered what influenced this purchase—Was it Dad’s Cherokee ancestry? I learned Cherokee silver jewelry is made in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where Dad grew up. Or, with its intricate, twisted layers, maybe it was crafted by a Southwest Native American artist, possibly Navajo.

The cuff’s natural metal shows wear. Scratches. Dings. Dull, worn patina—a sign of age. Strands of silver are masterfully set. Timeless like the man who gifted it. And like the man, genuine. Exceptional craftsmanship. A unique design. Durable. 

An oval center stone is framed by slim, twisted braids and miniature beads of silver. A feather on either side represents “wounded in combat” or “wearer wounded.” As a soldier, a paratrooper in WWII, dropping behind enemy lines, Dad knew something about combat. Spiritual protection, not grief, is believed to fall upon the wearer of this treasured piece. The delicate stone, possibly gray onyx, symbolizes inner strength, resilience, and patience. The silhouette of what appears to be a raven gazes toward a gloomy, gray sky. The raven is known to be social, intelligent, and known for its problem-solving skills. These songbirds bring light to the world, creating lifelong bonds and protecting their loved ones. Just like Dad.

In perfect form, the silver cuff curves around my wrist, a part of me now, day in and day out, reminding me of the man who chose it.