I made this pair of earrings a while back. A hammered silver hexagon with a tiny brass bee soldered to it. I made a few in copper as well. They’re very different from my other pieces and while my customers found them charming I never sold any.

When I was setting up for Upmarket on Sunday, I debated whether to put them out. In the end I kept the copper and put out the only silver pair.

My friend Chimene came by with her boyfriend, his brother and the brother’s girlfriend. The girls were shopping while the guys stood to the side idly looking through the earrings while waiting.

Then the brother suddenly held up the silver earrings and said, “Can you put these aside for me!”

He had that spark in his eyes that I see when somebody absolutely MUST have a piece.

I told him he was free to take them and Chimene (who is basically family) would give me the money later but he would not hear of it. Eventually his brother lent him the money.

Chimene leaned over and explained that he was a beekeeper. It suddenly all made sense and I secretly smiled.

I never know what people are going to connect with or why. Sometimes a piece just isn’t moving and I don’t want to put it out but I’m learning that sometimes I just have to be patient. The owner will eventually show up. The expression in that guy’s eyes was priceless. It makes me feel like a million bucks whenever I see that.