It all began with these. In 1997, when I had just started a column for The Arizona Republic, I saw the remnants of an antique chandelier on eBay. On a whim, I bought it. When the bag arrived, the pieces were dingy, lifeless crystals that looked like bad glass reproductions layered in dust and decades. I felt duped until I dumped them into a bowl of hot water, vinegar and soap. Fifteen minutes later, armed with a toothbrush, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Prisms flashed across the walls as I scrubbed away at them, revealing that they were indeed crystal and not glass. Then I had to figure out what to do with them. At first I thought Christmas ornaments, but they were too exceptional to keep hidden for most of the year.

I started making earrings, and sold them at several boutiques and salons. The designs then were rudimentary, but not overworking the construction kept the earrings classic and elegant. If I loved you and had time to spare, you got a pair of these on your birthday from me. They can be worn with anything, and you will be fielding compliments all day. I just cleaned out my basement (or my friend Sandra made me clean out my basement while visiting) and found the other half of the bag I bought in 1997 that I had never unpacked. So these are going back into production. They may have a little variance here and there, but this is the pair that started my jewelry making. I want everyone to have these. You will wear these forever. I swear.

•Century-old faceted crystal

•Sterling silver wire

•One inch drop

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