“I love HELIOS not just for its designs, but because each of their creations reflects the opposing facets within me. It reminds me that true freedom comes from understanding and balancing myself.”
Hello, HELIOS brothers and sisters. I am Gin. A name that has been with me for a long time. So long that it’s no longer just a name, but has become a part of who I am. Initially, this was a character I particularly admired in Detective Conan. A cold, ruthless, decisive, dangerous person who lived by his own will, and that was the ideal I always wanted to embody. Gin is also the name of one of my favorite alcoholic beverages. But what few people know is that in some contexts, Gin also means silver. Perhaps a long time ago… I was destined to be associated with that metal, as I was born into a family with a tradition of jewelry making.
From the very beginning, all expectations were placed on me, that one day I would become the family successor. But ironically, what my family wanted and what I always pursued were completely opposite. My family always wanted to steer me towards luxurious, opulent, sparkling jewelry like gold, diamonds, or at least glamorous silver pieces that attract attention and offer high value. Meanwhile, I, a tomboy from a young age, was drawn to items with a distinct hip-hop, street, edgy, and individualistic style. Most importantly, these items had to express the owner's personality and unique character.
At the ages of 13 and 15, I had my own designs. I was very proud of them and wanted to breathe life into jewelry that reflected my unique style. But those designs never received recognition... they were called strange, unrealistic, worthless, and I was told many times that no one would want what I drew. For the reason that it was all for my own good, my unrealistic dream wouldn't help me survive in this society, so I needed to follow the path my family had laid out.
Perhaps from then on, within me... the name H partially died, and Gin was born. A rebellious Gin.
I began to find joy in going against the wishes of others. I rebelled against all the expectations and prejudices others imposed on me. But the price I paid was leaving that dream deep in a dark corner, inaccessible even to myself. As the years passed, I gradually became an eccentric. Someone who always liked to go against the crowd. Someone who no longer cared about the feelings of others, only about my own happiness. Someone who only wanted to love myself and live like the wind. But deep down, I still loved my family... yet that love was only acknowledged when I became the person my family wanted me to be.
Two people coexisting in one body. One wanting to be a free spirit. One not wanting to disappoint family expectations. Ultimately, it created a Gin that my family was unhappy with, and even I no longer understood myself.
Everything changed the day I discovered HELIOS.
HELIOS... HELIOS... HELIOS... this must be another generic, boring, lifeless jewelry brand like PNJ or other brands on the market. That was my first thought after many years of being fed up with flashy, hollow jewelry. As someone who loves wearing rings, Amoris Heart somehow particularly caught my eye. After much thought, I decided to go to the store and bring it home.
Disappointed because my size was out of stock, but then captivated by Lianas. At that time, I didn't even know the story HELIOS told about it, but when I saw Lianas, I immediately thought, "Has anyone chosen this ring to wear with their loved one?" The image of vines wrapped around the ring, though small, was soft, flexible, and strong. Exactly what true love needs. But my first love when it came to HELIOS is still Amoris Heart. I am still determined to own it because when I look at it, I remember someone who once told me, "Love me. My love can give you the power to exchange for the freedom you crave."
That was the moment I realized I was addicted to HELIOS.
HELIOS tells a story, but when I look at each item, I find one or more other stories that resonate more with me.
Chrysaber... Perhaps this is the first time in many years that I've felt someone understood my inner self.
Gin... A rebel craving freedom but so bound that he becomes someone no one likes. Even when I don't understand myself, the meaning of Chrysaber is salvation, liberation.
Nothing in this world is inherently perfect. Perfection or not is determined by each person's perspective and standards. For me, a sword bearing the marks of time, of battles, is the most beautiful, perfect, and complete thing. Because such a sword resembles my inner self...
Gradually, my treasury became more crowded. But the change here was not only in the quantity of jewelry but also within myself. I start my day with Turquoise and Horse on my ears as a reminder that I don't need to listen to things that make me unhappy. Aegis and Pusi on my hands remind me to be strong to overcome the civil war within. Muir carries its own sun every day.
As my treasury grew each day, the items I wore became more diverse, but they always had to be coordinated to create a unique meaning, a personal reminder for me. Sometimes, looking at the Luther wallet resting in my pocket, I involuntarily chuckled because it's a reminder to work hard so that one day soon I can bring all of Chrysaber home (truly, selling silver to buy silver).
But the most precious thing HELIOS brought me was not just jewelry, but people.
I made my first friend at HELIOS Club. Initially, I admired her when reading her posts in the club. Then we shared ideas, articles, thoughts, etc. She didn't judge my thoughts, nor did she find my ideas strange. I love to write, but people often said my writing was out of this world, hard to understand. But she read it and pointed out the strengths in my writing. With her encouragement and support, I wrote my first article. For the first time, the joy of writing down my own thoughts and feelings without being judged made me feel free.
I used to think I always lived in the shadows. And living in that silent darkness, it was impossible to love the brilliant sun. But then I heard the saying, "Turn towards your own sun every day."
And I suddenly realized... if I truly hated the sun, then why did I love sunsets so much? Coming to HELIOS, whether the club or the store, I always feel that... this is where I belong. No longer feeling lost, no longer wandering aimlessly. I am still me, still someone who likes to stand in the shadows, still silently observing everyone. But now I know... if one day I decide to step out... there will always be someone ready to welcome me.
HELIOS. Dare to be different.
This is where I realized that being different is not something to hide. I came to HELIOS because I love jewelry, but I stayed because for the first time, I found a place where I felt I didn't have to be anyone else. Just being Gin. A name meaning silver. A person born with silver jewelry. And finally… I found myself in a world made of silver.
