Defining a mother’s love in one word is nearly impossible. Mothers—and even mother figures—take on many roles in our lives, each requiring patience, strength, and selflessness. To be one means constantly putting others’ needs before your own and making countless sacrifices rooted in unconditional love. Perhaps that is why many consider motherhood a “divine calling.” And when she isn’t at arm’s reach, many cling to heirloom pieces—treasures passed down to us by our mothers that carry love, memories, and presence. These are more than just material objects; they are imbued with emotional connections, making them lasting reminders of moments we hold closest to our hearts.

To further understand the role of heirloom pieces, beauty queen Steffy Gerona, Metro.Style beauty and wellness editor Kate Paras-Santiago, and Netherlands-based Filipino photographer Carmen del Prado uncover their treasure boxes and share with us the objects lovingly passed down to them through generations. We explore the purpose of these keepsakes and how they embody the presence of the women who came before them.

When Steffy gave birth to her first child, Sancho, her mother, Victoria, gifted her a pair of South Sea pearl earrings from Jewelmer. Not only do they mark a grand chapter in her life, but they also embody the women in her family, as they used to be worn by Steffy’s grandmother.

“The South Sea pearls, with their unparalleled luster and depth, mirror the enduring love of a mother—a love strengthened through countless challenges, sacrifices, and experiences across generations,” Steffy says. “Whenever I wear these earrings, I am reminded of my mother’s love, grace, and strength. They make me feel strong, beautiful, and grounded, especially during the moments I need it most.”

For Steffy, the earrings carry a legacy of femininity, resilience, and unconditional care. She hopes to pass them on to her daughters, Isla and Summer, so they too may carry with them the love, wisdom, and enduring strength of the women in their family.

Lola Lita Camara was like a mother figure in Kate’s life. One of the many traits Kate inherited from her grandmother was her penchant for accessorizing, from fine adornments to costume jewelry. Decorating themselves with such adornments became their shared language of expression. So when her grandmother passed away last month, Kate clung to her lola’s collection, not simply as a set of accessories, but as a living reminder of her presence.

“She was really an over-accessorizer, and I loved that about her,” Kate muses. “Not everyone in the family is like this—they often like simple pieces and simple styling, so I really got my lola's knack for accessories. They're not heirloom pieces, but a lot of faux ones that she used to wear and love.”

When Carmen moved to the Netherlands in 2024, she made sure to carry a piece that would always remind her of home. Among the things she packed are miniature paintings made by her mother Wing as a gift. These artworks were from a collection her mom made in the ‘80s and depicted Philippine rural scenes and seaside towns.

“Growing up in the province, my siblings and I were always surrounded by art and nature,” she muses. “Our mom always encouraged us to explore our creative side. She taught us how to draw, paint, and play. She has always been our biggest fan and supporter. Today, she continues to paint and dance.”

Over time, these paintings have become a source of inspiration for Carmen, a quiet anchor to her roots amid a new life abroad.

How about you? What’s one keepsake from your mother that means the world to you? Scan the QR code and join our conversation.