heart of gold
Alexander and Janina Zhimanovotzk's journey brought them to Israel after World War II. Fate united them during their time at a Hebrew ulpan, and together, they built their home in Ramat Hadar, now a part of Hod Hasharon. Their enduring love blessed them with three daughters: Eliza, Iris, and Yaeli. When their parents passed away not long ago, a long-kept secret was unveiled during the poignant process of clearing their family home: concealed within a bathroom cabinet, wrapped in delicate tissue paper, lay a substantial 24-karat gold bullion and five shimmering gold coins—an astonishing revelation.
The daughters embarked on a journey of their own, connecting the pieces of a captivating narrative: In the 1940s, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of war-torn Europe, a young Alexander Sr. acquired the golden nugget—a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. The discovery ignited a profound desire within Eliza, Iris, and Yaeli to transform this cherished treasure into a daily symbol of their boundless love and gratitude for their parents. They approached our studio with a heartfelt request: a timeless, classic gold heart pendant bearing the engraved names "Janina and Alexander."
Through a series of meetings, the pendant took its final form, and eight hearts were cast, each directly from the original nugget, ensuring that every extended family member held a piece of this precious legacy. This is more than a story of gold; it's a tale of enduring love, a family's cherished legacy, and the transformative power of meaningful jewelry that binds generations together.