Silver Linings of Talbot County recently recognized each female graduate of Easton and St. Michaels High Schools with a beautiful strand of hand-strung freshwater pearls. Silver Linings is the only known jeweler in the United States to give a gift to every young woman in a graduating high school class.
This initiative, entitled “Pearls of Promise”, was developed in 2011 by Silver Linings’ owner, Aida Leisure. This year, Silver Linings staff members volunteered their time to hand string and knot almost 200 strands of pearls. Each necklace is finished with a traditional sterling silver filigree clasp and takes about one hour to complete. The necklaces are valued at $75.
The 2012 Easton and St. Michaels High School graduates received their pearls prior to graduation, giving them the opportunity to wear their pearls to the ceremony if they so choose.
“Everyone is so excited and thankful,” Easton High School graduate Ariana McGuirk says of the initiative.
“We are so proud of our beautiful graduates. This is such a gratifying experience,” says Leisure, who plans to continue this tradition in Talbot County. “We hope that in the future, another business in the community will partner with us to recognize the young men of Talbot County high schools.”
Pearls have traditionally been given to young women as their first piece of fine jewelry and passed down from generation to generation throughout history.
“The pearls will serve as a reminder to these young women to keep going, even when life is tough, because no pearl was made without a little irritation,” says Leisure. “Some of our graduates will be going to college, some will be launching careers, and some will be starting families. No matter what their plans are, we want them to remember graduation as a special day.”
About Silver Linings
Silver Linings is a sterling silver and gemstone jewelry store located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in St. Michaels and Easton, as well as online. From internationally recognized designers to trendy collectible lines like Chamilia and Kameleon, Silver Linings has something for everyone. Named “Best Silver Jewelry Store on the Eastern Shore,” Silver Linings is committed to supporting local non-profits through events and fundraisers. Learn more at www.silverliningsmd.com, info@silverliningsmd.com or call 410-745-0266.