Rediscovering a Lifelong Friendship: Sarah’s Journey
After the profound loss of my mother, I found myself in a heartfelt conversation with an old friend. She gently suggested, “I think Stacey’s mom passed away too early as well – you should reconnect with her.” In that moment, I couldn’t recall who Stacey was, but her last name sparked a flood of memories.
“Stacey who?” I inquired, intrigued.
“Stacey Lorinczi, from DC,” she replied. Suddenly, the name rang a bell, and I was transported back in time, reminiscing about our shared experiences and the special bond we had formed during our early years.
Stacey and I first crossed paths in the 6th grade, where our differences were striking. She was the punky girl with a vibrant spirit, while I leaned toward sports and physical activities. Although we stood on opposite ends of the spectrum—she was petite, and I was tall, she was intellectual while I hid my smarts—we never aligned ourselves with any of the stereotypical female cliques. Instead, we floated freely, allowing our friendship to blossom. Our afternoons were often spent at each other’s homes, where we discovered a mutual interest in fitness at a young age. We navigated the awkward phase of adolescence together, transitioning from viewing boys as gross to finding them somewhat appealing. I still vividly remember her first heartbreak, just as she likely recalls mine. I was also captivated by her mother, who possessed striking beauty, a distinctive white streak in her dark hair, and a chic demeanor even while smoking cigarettes that somehow seemed elegant.
Throughout high school, our closeness waned, but we maintained a mutual respect. Stacey emerged as a talented artist, often donning combat boots, leather attire, and dark lipstick, her hair styled in a perfectly tousled chignon with a delicate cashmere scarf draped around her shoulders. She embodied a unique blend of gothic charm and graceful allure.
After 16 years apart, I decided to search for Stacey online and discovered she had become a jewelry designer based in San Francisco. Her creations mirrored her personality, a delightful fusion of punk aesthetics and elegance. Our email correspondence began 12 years ago, rekindling our friendship. Today, she is among my closest allies, and her life reflects my own in many ways—she has two spirited daughters and a kind, brilliant husband who is also bald, much like mine. It’s no wonder we became best friends once again!
Over the years, I have purchased numerous exquisite pieces from Stacey, each one holding a special place in my heart as they are crafted by someone I cherish. One day, the idea struck me to create something special for my staff. The OO Necklace was born in my imagination—a piece that would combine mixed metals, complement almost any outfit, and emit a gentle jangling sound. I envisioned two circles that were linked yet allowed for independent movement. This design appealed to both Stacey and me, not only for its visual appeal but also for its symbolic representation: I wanted to show my gratitude to those who contributed to my passion and dream, expressing my love for them as individuals. (This is some serious jewelry philosophy, folks.) At some point, someone remarked, “I love the two Os for Osmia Organics,” and I smiled, nodding along, taking credit for the idea from the beginning. For me, this necklace also symbolizes the rekindling of my relationship with Stacey after years apart, the two mothers we lost along the way, and the two daughters we are each nurturing now.
As more people admired the staff pieces, we decided to create additional versions, making them available on our site for years. Customers purchased them as heartfelt gifts for the women they loved—mothers, daughters, friends, sisters, and partners—recognizing that the interlinked circles could represent something unique for each wearer. Each piece is infused with a rich history of friendship and love. Eventually, we introduced a longer variant, the Rustic OO Necklace, designed to slip over the head for effortless everyday wear.
Stacey’s Perspective: A Deeply Rooted Friendship
“Sarah and I have shared a bond since childhood, navigating the sometimes tumultuous waters of middle school and high school together. Even back then, she had an undeniable fascination with luxury beauty and health products—a passion we both embraced, alongside the Jane Fonda fitness routines that were all the rage. Looking back, I’m grateful that the Internet didn’t exist during those formative years, or else we might have tangible evidence of our youthful exuberance.
Despite attending the same small high school, our paths diverged as teenagers, leading us to lose touch after graduation. It was only about 12 years ago that Sarah reached out, partly out of curiosity and partly due to our shared experiences with loss, as she had just lost her mother to cancer, and I had faced a similar tragedy. We thought we could navigate our grief together, but our heartfelt discussions quickly turned into laughter, as we discovered how many interests and quirks we still shared after all those years apart.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Sarah evolve over time, from her journey as an emergency room doctor to her ultimate calling as the founder of Osmia. It was a genuine honor when she approached me to collaborate on a special necklace to honor her company and the incredible individuals who contributed to its success. What began as a thoughtful gift for her employees soon captured the interest of her customers as well.
The necklaces, crafted from hammered solid sterling silver and bronze, possess a warm rustic charm, reflecting the human hands that meticulously created each piece in San Francisco. While the interlocking “O’s” initially symbolized Osmia Organics, I believe the abstract design invites a multitude of interpretations. It represents the hardworking women who inspired its creation, the artisans who designed and handcrafted it, and the women who proudly wear it. May it inspire you to find your own meaning as you wear it. Most importantly, cherish it in good health and happiness.”
We sincerely hope that if you purchased an OO Necklace, you will one day share its significance with us—we would love to hear your story. We may consider offering it again in the future if we receive enough requests, and in the meantime, be sure to explore our Rustic OO Necklace!
Sending much love, as always, from our hearts to yours,
