Monica McLaughlin, a jewelry enthusiast, writes Dearest, a Substack that delves into the history, craftsmanship, and big stories behind our tiny, precious objects.
I know a woman who was able to retire early from a corporate job she hated by scouring thrift shops for antiques - a little jewelry and a lot of Italian pottery - and then re-selling them on etsy! Keep sharing your joy through jewelry!
Here's one: loan out a few of your pieces to good friends who are also writers. Invite them to keep a four month journal of all the synchronicities, reflections and funny stories/sense of connection that happen to them in the course of having/wearing the pieces. Who compliments them and does it ever lead to a lunch date? Who knows a piece of history you did not? How does the past influence the present through our connection with it and willingness to reach across the divides of "strangers" to discuss it?
Thank you! And holy cow - I couldn't hit subscribe fast enough on Autumn Lives Here. That is so totally my vibe I want to live inside of it. I've already saved the Paul Lynde Halloween Special to watch tonight. Bless you; I am DYING for fall right now!
Dear editors, please feel free to share any or all of my comments with your subscribers. I know my words aren't very worthy, however the passion in their thought is definitely there. I believe whole heartedly in my statements. I am human and have made many bad mistakes in my life but this is not one. Signed
Despite having no knowledge of the antique scene (and only a passing knowledge of jewellery, tbh, mostly informed by Claire's Accessories in the late 00s) I've been signed up to Dearest for a while now (it was recommended via another Substack, though I can't remember which one unfortunately.)
You can tell Monica's interest in and love for the subject matter as it oozes through every email she writes! Thanks for this interview with her, I loved the peek behind the scenes - I've just sent it round to my email list as the recommended read of the week :) x
Haaaa, Claire’s trained us all! Thank you for the kind words - I sometimes (often) worry I go too far with my tangents, but how can I not when there’s so much cool stuff in the world???
Hoooraaaaaay!
Monica is (a) the best and (b) Dearest is such a treat for the eyes, the brain and the heart.
I hope literally everyone on Substack goes to sign up, right now, right this second. They won't regret it.
(I mean, come on - vampire killing kits? https://dearest.substack.com/p/vampire-killing-kits-a-dutch-ear What's not to love?)
It's obvious I don't always stick to the antique jewelry brief, lol! Thanks, Mike - I really appreciate your unwavering support and enthusiasm.
I know a woman who was able to retire early from a corporate job she hated by scouring thrift shops for antiques - a little jewelry and a lot of Italian pottery - and then re-selling them on etsy! Keep sharing your joy through jewelry!
I will, and thanks - you're giving me ideas..... :)
Here's one: loan out a few of your pieces to good friends who are also writers. Invite them to keep a four month journal of all the synchronicities, reflections and funny stories/sense of connection that happen to them in the course of having/wearing the pieces. Who compliments them and does it ever lead to a lunch date? Who knows a piece of history you did not? How does the past influence the present through our connection with it and willingness to reach across the divides of "strangers" to discuss it?
Great to see your interview, Dearest deserves the attention!
Thank you! And holy cow - I couldn't hit subscribe fast enough on Autumn Lives Here. That is so totally my vibe I want to live inside of it. I've already saved the Paul Lynde Halloween Special to watch tonight. Bless you; I am DYING for fall right now!
I'm very happy to hear this! Enjoy the special, it's memorable viewing!
So happy to read this! It's always a good day when Dearest arrives in my inbox.
Thanks, Elizabeth - I feel the same way about What To Read If!
This is the embodiment of good storytelling!
So interesting and thought provoking. Thanks 😊 for sharing.
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing. Sooo interesting!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
This is so great! Dearest is one of my fave newsletters!
Thank you and right back atcha as always, dear BOG!
My pleasure
Coming from a storyteller I love that this ultimately about stories. So different. Glad to know about you!
Thank you! Yes, the stories are what make these pieces come alive, and some of them are truly amazing.
Dear editors, please feel free to share any or all of my comments with your subscribers. I know my words aren't very worthy, however the passion in their thought is definitely there. I believe whole heartedly in my statements. I am human and have made many bad mistakes in my life but this is not one. Signed
Patrick Curvin Paules from Connecticut.
Thank you for subscribing!
Despite having no knowledge of the antique scene (and only a passing knowledge of jewellery, tbh, mostly informed by Claire's Accessories in the late 00s) I've been signed up to Dearest for a while now (it was recommended via another Substack, though I can't remember which one unfortunately.)
You can tell Monica's interest in and love for the subject matter as it oozes through every email she writes! Thanks for this interview with her, I loved the peek behind the scenes - I've just sent it round to my email list as the recommended read of the week :) x
Haaaa, Claire’s trained us all! Thank you for the kind words - I sometimes (often) worry I go too far with my tangents, but how can I not when there’s so much cool stuff in the world???
I am a firm believer that Luther Vandross was right when he said never too much never too much never too much -- and never too far either!!!
Cor! Just subscribed.
Not gonna lie, I discovered it now, and took an instant liking...........
I love jewelry and Dearest!
Hi, Monica. It was interesting to read about antique jewelry and your writing skills.