What metaphors are used in Double Standards by Judith McNaught?

Earings are a symbol and metaphor for family and memory.Lauren has a pair of gold earrings that are the only things of her mother's she owns. These earrings are lost at the Cove on the night Lauren spends with Nick. Nick attempts to replace them with antique pearl earrings that belonged to his grandmother, but Lauren refuses the gift and later regrets her actions.