Those of you who follow us on Facebook likely know about Nic’s Picks, our weekly series where Nicole from our home office shows off some of her favorite pieces.  Once every month Nicole likes to turn things around and ask you to share a story, picture or thought with us.  We started this two months ago with asking for photos of your favorite piece and last month we asked for our community to share their favorite pearl story.  While we were only supposed to choose one winner, we were so torn that we decided to go with two:  one story that made us laugh and another that truly made us cry.

The first winner was Averil McAllister, who is quickly becoming the official Honora poet.  Her poem was one of the first entries we received and it set the bar high for the rest of the competition.  We hope you enjoy her poem as much as we have!

A Poem for Honora – My First experience of the Fantastic–nesssss that is Honora Pearls.

Flicking through the channels on Sky TV, I came across a station… it was QVC
There was Julia, who’s stunning and sassy, always fun to watch– she’s my kind of lassie.
Honora pearls was the topic of the show… pearls weren’t really me but thought I’d give it a go,
I paused for a second, as the picture caught my eye, there was Ralph Rossini.. wow what a guy!
This truely handsome devil had me smitten, from that point on the Honora bug had bitten.
I watched contently as Ralph told the story, showing every item in all its glory.

Pearls in black, silver and green, every colour I’ve ever seen.
The designs were trendy, funky & fun, there was no debate, I NEEDED some,
A long black strand came on screen, not to buy myself that would simply be mean!
My heart was longing I had to give in, to miss out on it would be a sin,
Q-cut was the answer I had to get mine, before all sold out there was limited time.
I breathe a sigh of relief as my order is placed, to go on wait list I couldn’t have faced.
Five parcels arrive later that week, excitement was building I could barely speak
Opening each box I fell more in love, Honora’s Amazing-– a gift from above.
The strand’s as gorgeous as I thought it would be, so much so I now have three!
My little silk pouches have their own dedicated box, and its all because of that silver fox!
As I eagerly await Ralph’s next show, my credit card is quivering– this I do know!
I have an addiction– Honora is my fix, will I buy one?  No most likely will be six!
My boyfriend gives off about the money I spend, but we both know it’s not going to end
An ever-growing collection is my plan, I seriously am your No1 Fan
An Honora girl I am at heart, me and my pearls will NEVER part.

Our second winner, Sherry Downs Honeycutt’s, story is a more difficult tale.  We were moved by her deeply personal story and admire her immense strength and courage.  While Sherry’s story is very sad, it truly shows the resilience on the human spirit.

Five and a half years ago, my husband and I got divorced. Three and a half years ago, we reunited. Knowing my love of Honora Pearls, he gave me two strands: a yellow baroque strand and a black triple strand with a mother-of-pearl flower. Before we could move back in with him, my house burned down in the middle of the night taking my daughter’s life and almost mine too. When I got out of the hospital and was able to sift through the ashes of what had been my life, I found the set of black pearls. They were faded from the smoke damage, but I didn’t care. I haven’t been able to wear them since that day, but I keep them as a reminder. To me they are a symbol of reconciliation, of survival, and of hope. We can survive. We can be stronger. And forgiveness is possible. Thank you for letting me share my story.

After reading both of these, I hope you can understand why Nicole had to choose them both.  For those of you who missed out on this contest, we are currently in the middle of this month’s “Nic Picks You” contest.  We are celebrating the launch of our newest design, a set of 10 pearl bracelets we are calling Sugar and Spice.  We are asking those who love our pearl colors to create and name their own combination from the colors in this selection.  You can find all of the contest details here, but must enter by Wednesday, November 18th.  Averil was so excited by the fact that this item will be our December 4th QVC UK Today’s Special Value that she decided to write another poem for the occasion!

The waiting is almost over, Ralph will soon be back on our screen,
When Michael showed us our TSV, MY God I let out a scream!!
My eyes lit up, my heart felt that tug which only means one thing,
I need to be 1st on the phone, Q-cut I will definitely ring,
The Sugar & Spice wardrobe – is a must for every girl,
The rainbow of colours stunning – in the perfect Honora pearl,
My mind went into overdrive as I dressed my wrists in style,
1023 combinations – WOW!! That thought did make me smile!
I’m counting down the hours until that handsome fox is back,
My WANT list is ever increasing, getting harder to keep track.
The pearls are so addictive, I just need more & more
But only from Honora & RALPH that man WE ALL ADORE!!!!

Tags: Contests, Facebook Fan Pages, Freshwater Pearls, Honora Customers, Nic's Picks, Pearl Jewelry