April is a very special month for me because it was during this month in 2010 that I first met my husband, Chintan Maniar. Since then, I have not just associated April with Spring or our ‘dating anniversary’, but also as the start of the Baseball season. It is not because I always followed baseball, but because my husband completely loves the sport and is a passionate fan of his team – Boston Red Sox. And passion can sometimes be contagious!

Since our first date, Chintan has made his love for baseball transparent, especially for the Boston Red Sox in particular. How does someone who grew up in India and lives in the Bay Area have Boston Red Sox as their favorite baseball team, I asked. He explained how he first got introduced to the sport and how he fell in love with the history of the Red Sox. But, it’s what happened next that told me that this guy was serious and perhaps the most passionate person I had ever met in my life – Chintan pulled out his custom made diamond and ruby pendant with the Redsox logo. He left me in awe and admiration for his passion.

Some photos of Chintan at the Red Sox game.

Chintan does not miss a single game when his Red Sox are in town to play against the Oakland A’s.

 Proud fan!

 I have been fortunate to get to know the game of baseball with him (although I support local) and to share in his passion for the sport over the years.

Since it is April and Baseball is in full swing, we caught up with Chintan and learned more about his passion for the Red Sox and the meaning behind his sports pendant.

So, we asked Chintan the following questions –

When did you first get your pedant?

“I first got this pendant back when Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. My dad wanted to give me a piece of memento that I would remember forever and would always have it on me”. 

What was your first reaction to it? Did you wear it right away?

“I was blown away not just by the gift/gesture but also by the significance of it. Growing up over the years, my parents would usually gift me pieces of jewelry for birthday gifts or special occasions. However, for the most part, I would wear those pieces for a few months and either put it away in the safe or switch it up with a different piece of jewelry or just not wear any jewelry at all. Alas, all of this came to complete halt when I got my Red Sox pendant. The day I got it, I put it on right away and I have never taken it off. I have been wearing the same pendant for over 13 years”.

The pendant literally has not come off. Here are some places its been…

 Our Engagement shoot in Carmel, CA.

Snorkeling adventure in Mauai.

On our honeymoon in St. Marteen.

What meaning does the pendant have for you?

“Two words that describe the significance of this pendant is: resiliency & passion. I look at this pendant every morning when I am getting ready and it reminds me of all the history & resiliency that my family had to go through to achieve the American dream. Just like the Red Sox had to overcome 86 years of championship drought. My parents did not speak a single word of English and took a leap of faith to come to USA to achieve the American Dream for their kids. It reminds me of all the hard work that the entire Maniar family has put in and still does to ensure we never forget the feeling of winning. Just like the Red Sox, I am a passionate person. And I could not have been more excited to say that, they are the first team in the 21st century to win 3 World Series trophies. I do not have 3 championships, but my own resiliency and passion have brought me many successes in my life – my college degree, my first luxury car at the age of 24, my first home at the age of 27, my several promotions in my career to name a few. I have put my blood, sweat & tears in all aspects of my life that I am truly passionate about. I love having my Red Sox pendant that keeps me close to my passions and continues to teach me resilience as I navigate through life”.

Any anecdotes/stories with your pedant?

“Anytime people question my loyalty to the Red Sox since I grew up in Bay Area, all I have to do is pull out this pendant and it does the job. I am proud to be wearing this pendant daily & love the power that comes with it”.

Close up of the pendant that gets pulled out each time Chintan’s loyalty is questioned.

Is this a piece you would hand down to your future kids?

“I would totally hand this down to my future kids once HCM diamonds makes a new piece for me that would have just as much significance as this Red Sox pendant does ;)”

This is such a beautiful story of how a piece of jewelry can be so instrumental in keeping not just sports history close to heart, but also family history and resiliency close to heart and keeping the passion alive. It also goes to show how sports can become a very integral part of our lives and remind us of our own struggles and teach us virtues such as resiliency and passion.

Hope to see you all at the ball game! Please do not hesitate to send us stories of the meaning behind your jewelry pieces.