Defining Moments

by Mel Rom, Rom Designs on 19 May, 2013

Recently, a number of people have been asking why we have chosen to focus on our keepsake collection rather than making mainstream jewellery.  I hope this helps you to understand where my heart lies.

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Tuesday 29 March 2011 was a defining day in my life as I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  I actually knew I had it long before I could get anyone to believe me but this day was brilliant because I was finally able to move forward and get on with what needed to be done.

I went through surgery, months of chemo and then 36 doses of radiotherapy and all the while thinking how I was going to change the way I was living now to make tomorrow better.

I’ve always been passionate about my family treasures and whilst going through my daily grind I used the time to think about the things in life that really matter to me; the most very important things and what had little significance.

Decisions have come relatively easy to me since cancer took over.  I have learned how to say NO, and I say it with ease.  I have stopped to smell the roses a little more than I used to.  I love my family and friends more than ever.  My passion to help others is still exactly the same, I’ve just realised that I had to put myself on top otherwise I would end up in the same predicament.

Our creativity comes from our combined life experience and we support each other’s strengths and pick up each other’s weakness.  I made the bold decision and thankfully Rhay agreed that we would stick to making the creations that mean the most; hence the decision to stop selling our mainstream jewellery to concentrate on our Birthstone and Commemorative Designs.

In true Rom style, we stick together!

A huge thank you to each and every one of our clients who made an investment in us by purchasing one of our designs.  Nearly (all but 3) of our designs were one-offs so you will be forever unique to us!  We hope you will continue to remember us when you need that special commemorative piece for someone you hold near and dear.

I started a Facebook Page called, “I Will Survive, Hey, Hey” which documents my journey from the start. The idea was to document my journey for my children just in case that genetic mutant should ever come knocking on their door.  A number of people of told me how my story has helped them cope with their own experiences and perhaps it could help you too.

Love and light,

Mel

 

 

 

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by Mel Rom, Rom Designs on 28 March, 2013

Here at Rom Designs, we love to capture your family history in beautiful dazzling crystals, but we understand only too well that there is a need to preserve our family story before time slips away.

Sadly, for my family, our lifeline doesn’t stretch to the century mark; well except for one delightful Auntie who is nearly there!   There have been many times over the years I wish I had asked more questions, and when I did manage to ask, write down the answers.  Being faced with my own mortality having recently battled breast cancer has made me more determined to preserve our story for future generations.

I think sometimes we put this task in the too hard basket or simply think, oh, I must ask that question of Nana next time.  There might not be a next time; and to that end, we must not delay.

I’d like to introduce you all to my dear friend Annie Payne who started History from the Heart to help people save their personal and family histories before time passes and memories fade.   

Annie says, “there are many sites which help you with genealogy and family trees but, when you look deeper, there aren’t many that help you with solid and proven advice to help you save your family stories before they are forgotten – forever.

The stories of your parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts are the buds and leaves to your family tree. Without them you have just names, places and dates on a bare tree.”

I have known Annie for years and have used “Memory cards” and I love the “Memory Jar”, with a few on the go for different people.

To add my little bit of pudding to the pie, the next time your family all get together why not hand out some memory cards and ask each person to write something about someone in the family and then keep doing this at each family event until you have some full jars; or boxes! You could narrow it down as well.  If you are celebrating a family member’s birthday or anniversary; then everyone at the celebration could write down their thoughts about the person/couple.  Pretty soon you would have a really good stash of history. I have a whole filing cabinet full of family history.  You can choose something that works for you.

If there is someone about to celebrate a special milestone; you could present them with one of our Tree of Life – Birthstone Keepsake and a Memory Jar.   I’m sure Annie, would be delighted to hear from you.

And you know, I would love to hear from you too!

Cheers,

Mel

Testing phase

by Mel Rom, Rom Designs on 1 March, 2013

Hi everyone….

We are in testing phase and very much appreciate your patience.

Stay tuned for more from us soon.

Cheers,

Mel

Beautiful sentiment

by Mel Rom, Rom Designs on 22 February, 2013

We were so thrilled to receive this email from Fiona and decided that it is very much worth sharing.

Fiona wrote,” I felt so blessed when my gorgeous package arrived and I opened it to discover a beautiful Tree of Life.  The thing that struck me most was that the feeling of love and attention to detail was tangible.  Mel and her hubby make these amazing pieces out of one continual wire, carefully adding gems and crystals as they go.  The pieces are beautiful and delicate and you can sense the love and passion that is put into each piece.  My TOL has the birthstones of myself and my children and perhaps it is the crystals which bring such a special feeling when I wear it.  In today’s world of mass produced jewellery, Mel produces beautiful, individual, hand crafted pieces which are all individual and tailored to your requirements.  Whether you have a specific colour in mind, or wish to have your tree represent the birthstones of your family (like mine) or just your own birthstone – it doesn’t matter.  Mel will listen to your needs and create a piece specifically for you.”

Fiona L. (Feb 2013)

 

So, I’m feeling that it can’t possibly get much better than this.  If you would like to have something made which is unique to you and your loved ones, please contact us at mel@romdesigns.com or get more info here.

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