The Rothberg Necklace

May 4, 2011 by Heather

    They say ‘the third time’s the charm’. I think they might be on to something, because I think the third Build Love necklace is the most charming yet!
    Yes, those really are Legos! The Rothberg necklace features Legos that really look more like crystal or glass than a child’s plaything!
    The centerpiece of this necklace features two crystal clear… minifig heads! Those cute little Lego people we all played with as children now adorn this work of art. The two minifig heads are held in place by three silver-plated beads with elaborate cut-outs, dangling from a swirl of silver-plated wire. Surrounding this are two translucent purple Lego “nose cones”. All of this is strung on a 16″ sterling silver chain, which has been graced with ten genuine amethyst gemstones.
    Legos and semi-precious gems, together at last!

    This necklace was inspired by and created for the Michael C Rothbeg September 11th Memorial Scholarship. It will be auctioned off on May 26, 2011 to benefit the scholarship fund which honors of the memory of Michael Craig Rothberg, whose life was tragically cut short on September 11, 2001. On that fateful morning, Michael was in his office on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center where he worked for Cantor Fitzgerald as managing director of program trading. Michael was an extraordinary man with a generous heart. Each year, in his memory, three students from Michael’s high school alma mater receive scholarships to aid them in their pursuit of a college education.

    I met the Rothberg family through pure chance, but have come to love them as if they were a part of my own family. A few years ago, on the anniversary of September 11th, I volunteered for a blogging project which each year writes tributes to the two-thousand, two hundred and ninety-six victims who died on that awful day. I was randomly assigned Michael’s name & I reached out to his parents to receive their blessing on the tribute I had written to their beloved son. We have since grown very close and each year I do what little I can to support the scholarship fund Michael’s family and friends created in his honor.
    Originally I was only planning on sending three pairs of the ‘Pair-Amour’ earrings to be auctioned at the annual dinner to benefit the scholarship fund. But as I sat in my bed, working to create each pair of earrings, I was suddenly struck with inspiration. I instantly started working on the necklace, thinking about Michael, his parents, and his sister. The necklace came together so quickly, so easily, and it really turned out so beautifully.
    Since the necklace was inspired by thoughts of Michael, I simply had to name it after him. I really hope it brings in a lot of support for the scholarship fund at the silent auction.
    I’m so very proud to have this piece in the inaugural Build Love collection. To me, it represents such true heart, meaning, and love. What better way to truly build love in this world, than to remember those who have meant the most to us?

    If you’d like to learn more about how you can support the Michael Rothberg September 11th Memorial Scholarship, please visit their website at www.MichaelRothbergScholarship.com.

The Rothberg Necklace