“Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight to celebrate. A special thank-you to my aunt Elodie Pavlin for carrying on the family legacy all these years and now inviting me to design in this new era of Pavlin & Co.” She turned to look at her aunt standing beside her and saw the glimmer of tears in her bright eyes. Gemma swallowed hard and turned back to the crowd. “I dedicate this debut collection, Gilded Butterfly, to my mother, Paulina. She loved butterflies, and I embrace them as the perfect symbol of change . . . of metamorphosis. Pavlin & Co is now in its second century. The world is a different place, but jewelry remains a vital part of celebrating our milestones. My hope for the Gilded Butterfly collection is that a ring or necklace is the first piece of jewelry someone buys for themselves and never takes off. I hope people come back to Gilded Butterfly throughout their lives, for birthdays and graduations, for job successes, and yes, for engagements. My great-grandfather famously said that ‘a diamond says love,’ and I believe true love begins with ourselves. So, without further ado, I introduce you to Gilded Butterfly. Treat yourself like gold.”

The room erupted in applause. Sanjay, seated in the front row, gave her a thumbs-up. She was instantly brought back to the moment at college graduation when she’d looked out at the audience and he’d given her the same gesture. But now, he wasn’t the only one in the audience who cared about her.

She was surrounded by love.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my talented editor, Gabriella Mongelli, for pushing me through multiple drafts to the best possible version of this story. Gaby, thank you for your spot-on notes and patience. I love working with you! I’m grateful for the support of the entire Putnam team—my publisher, the brilliant Sally Kim; my publicist, Ashley Hewlett; Ellie Schaffer; Brennin Cummings; Nishtha Patel; Alexis Welby; Ashley McClay; the sales force; and the art department that created this dazzling cover. I know you were all responding to my emails while at home juggling children and pets and spouses, and I’m grateful.

My agent, Adam Chromy, read early drafts of this book and steered me away from a few cliffs. Thank you for being the one to always keep me on track and for believing I’ll get there no matter how far off course I wander. I feel creatively safe knowing you are always there to catch my fall.

Every story begins with a spark, and for this book, that spark was the jewelry brand Lulu Frost, designed by Lisa Salzer. Lisa, your Plaza Collection reminded me that jewelry can tell some of our best stories. Thank you for the beauty you bring into the world. I also had great fun researching estate jewelry at Pippin Vintage in New York City and A. Brandt & Son on Main Line, Philadelphia.