COVID Diaries: An Inspiring Commission!
Inspired by the lotus ponds of Hawaii, the story of this lotus pendant shows how custom jewelry speaks to self expression.
In some cultures, especially in the East, the lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth - because even when it is anchored in the dirtiest water, the Lotus produces the most exquisite flower.
When COVID 19 changed the way we live our lives, my client knew she had to make a choice. Either wallow in self pity and be depressed / anxious about the conditions in which we were forced to exist or rise above it.
And in this spirit, she commissioned a lotus pendant, something that would nestle close to her heart and be a reminder that hope is never lost, and how we react is a choice we make. When we talked about the design, Anjali mentioned that she didn’t want the perfect yoga lotus, that her lotus would be more organic, more imperfectly perfect, and sent me a sketch, with some petals colored in...and we were off.
Since it was going to represent a pink lotus with its multiple shades, I suggested 2 tones of pink sapphires and diamonds which would give the effect of a multi hued lotus.
I designed it raised, not flat, with every petal starting at a slightly different height, adding depth and dimension to the piece.
In order to complement the pink stones, rose gold was used as the metal to tie it all together.
And lastly…to modernize the feel of the pendant, it’s a 10 sided dodecahedron (instead of a round) with my popular rose gold Mini Logan Chain.
What Anjali has to say:
“I had seen pictures of Jalpa’s work and knew she was special. Working with her has been delightful. What she designed and made is truly custom. She really listened to what I wanted, and discussed all the aspects of the piece with me - then wowed me with her attention to detail, creativity and a deep knowledge of jewelry design. When I wear this piece, I feel beautiful, confident and serene. I have never owned something so custom and so perfect. Thank you, Jalpa!”
NO, THANK YOU Anjali. S., this particular piece will forever remain in the album of my heart as as a symbol of resilience through 2020. It was manufactured in NYC around the time when everything was inching back to normal and had to shut down again due to the riots and unrest in Manhattan. I will be forever grateful for having crossed paths with you Anjali S., especially at a time when I needed the extra support as a #smallbusiness owner.
THANK YOU.
