A Pin to Speak 1000 Words

Each January, leading jewelers from across America meet in New York City for the Annual GEM Awards banquet. The focus of this event is to present the "STYLE" award to a person outside of the industry who has made a mark on the world of jewelry.

This year's recipient was Madeleine Albright, the first woman to become Secretary of State. "Madame Secretary", as she is sometimes affectionately referred to, became the most powerful woman in the world under the Clinton Administration. Kathy and I were both astounded and elated when asked to be seated at her table that evening.

Madeleine Albright loves pins and she noted for wearing them to express her feelings and make her points about political issues of the day. Albright recently wrote a book entitled Read My Pins that details how she changed up her brooches to send subtle messages to various world leaders.
Among the anecdotes she told us at the dinner was one about her meeting with Saddam Hussein. A published poem in Iraq had referred to Albright, who had criticized the then-president, as an "unparalleled serpent." Albright snapped on a serpent pin for her meeting with the Iraqi leader. Flower and butterfly pins when she's happy. Lion and dragon pins to express conviction.
I believe the true value of a piece of jewelry is not in how much it costs, but in what it represents to the person who wears it. Madeleine Albright supports my notion in a very special and powerful way. It was an honor to spend the evening with this wonderful lady. A memory I will cherish forever.

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