Diamond becomes symbolic gem for York family
Brianne and Jesse Murren fashioned a necklace that is a tribute both to their family and veteran families.
Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing and Peace Garden in Memorial Park, York, recently named Brianne Murren, of York, as the winner of its Digging 4 Diamonds fundraiser, held at the Pennsylvania Garden Show of York (PASGY) this past March.
Murren received a 1.03 carat pear-shape diamond from Gem Boutique, which had donated more than 150 loose gemstones as well as the grand prize 1.03 carat diamond for the fundraiser. The pear-shaped diamond was chosen to represent the tears of families who have lost veterans.
At the time, Rick Jacobus, promoter of PAGSY, embraced the idea of a gem garden within the show that would raise money for the Gold Star Garden. Jacobus donated feature space and built a special garden trough to be used to bury loose gemstones for instant wins. Volunteers, under the direction of Gold Star Garden Board member and retired Army Col. Phil Aubel, of Dallastown, guided participants through two days of the gem dig.
Murren was with her family at the flower show as the fundraiser was underway. She and her family decided to take part after seeing that Gem Boutique was involved. "We knew it would be a good cause," she said, "because we know that the owner has been very generous in support of the community.”
Murren already had instant wins, when she successfully dug three different gemstones -- one for each of her three children. Prior to Murren winning the grand prize, her husband, Jesse, had worked with Gem Boutique to design a pear-shaped engagement ring, according to Jin Jou Meighen owner of the Gem Boutique, who called it a "rare" coincidence.
The Murrens then worked with Gem Boutique to design a necklace that would serve as "a symbol of their family." They added the three smaller pear-shaped diamonds to represent each of their three children, on the pendant bale in such a way that the larger diamond dangles freely with movement. “We are all very happy with this meaningful result with one family united in supporting the families of the fallen," Meighen said.
The Murrens picked up their necklace on July 29.
The Pennsylvania Garden Show of York will return March 4-6, 2017. Gold Star Garden was selected as the Charity of the Year for 2017.