Quite apart from historical precedent, most jewelers have at some time created objects that refer to a significant personal loss-a child, sibling or parent, a home, a relationship-a loss that for them cannot be metabolized without making something. Life is long; losses accumulate. With time, grief retreats and life goes on. Not the same life, to be sure, but one’s life nonetheless. The personal commemorative object has layers of meaning, some of which may be codes. Work done mainly for oneself, often not for public consumption, may be quieter and contemplative.