Hello, my name is...

This week I was planning on writing about the Y2K jewelry I’m still lusting after (hello Yossi Harari gold pretzel), but several friends reached out about another topic so the 2000s will have to wait. What could be more important than Return to Tiffany charms and velvet chokers? Name jewelry, of course.

Once I became a mom there was not enough M jewelry on earth to fulfill my desires. I’m certainly not alone in this sentiment, most mothers I know have initial or name jewelry commemorating their children, and the options seem endless. But having a kid just gave me an excuse to hoard a new letter. I’ve been collecting K’s for some time, and actually have a small collection of charms engraved with the names and initials of my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. These sentimental pendants are some of my most treasured possessions and when I wear them I feel powerful, rooted and - dare I say it - protected.

When it comes to name jewelry, nothing is more classic than the name plate necklace. My Missy necklace belonged to my mom in high school, and it truly captures a moment in time. She only went by Missy until she was 18! Versions of the name plate can be found everywhere from Etsy to Amazon, but if you want one I’d recommend visiting your local jewelry store. They often have jewelry catalogues filled with font and style options, all customizable in the material and word of your choice. If you’d rather shop online check out New Top or The M Jewelers, both New York City name plate specialists, who can do pretty much anything.

Example name plates from The M Jewelers.

For my son’s name necklace I went a slightly more sentimental route, turning to my friend Jen from Millie and Noah. She was able to create a necklace with my son’s name using my mother’s handwriting which is particularly sentimental because my son is named after my mom.

Jen’s rendering of the necklace based on my mom’s signature.

The finished product - Mo and Mo!

There are so many incredible designers reinventing initial jewelry right now, there is truly something for every style and aesthetic. Have a dude ranch, wild west vibe? Look no further than Marlo Laz.

Marlo Laz Small Southwestern charm, $1,400.

Is Steam-punk-meets-quirky-industrial-chic more your thing? I love these Alex Sepkus initials because they are wonky in the best way, have a lot of texture, and feel unique and special.

Alex Sepkus Diamond Initial Pendant, $735.

Looking to add something colorful to your wrist stack? Check out Roxanne Assoulin’s Just Say It bracelets, which can be fully customized with the name or letters of your choice!

Roxanne Assoulin Just Say It bracelet, $150.

Brent Neale, who is best known for her gemstone rings and carved stone jewelry, makes these whimsical bubble letter studs that are adorable.

Brent Neale Bubble Letter Stud Earring, $750.

And I also love Mateo’s initials encased in crystal and set on a ring or pendant.

Mateo’s Secret Initials ring ($1,675) and pendant ($2,250).

And to end, something very very luxurious that I just had to include. Diamond initials. Not pavéd initials, not engraved initials, actual faceted diamonds cut into letters.

W-O-W!!

Diamond letters, courtesy of Millie and Noah. If you find out the price, I’d rather not know!