Pippa’s Myanmar Spinel Origin Story

In 2014, I was very lucky that I went to Myanmar, invited by Turquoise Mountain, the arts charity we’ve collaborated with for so many years. They had started to work in Myanmar to protect and preserve traditional cultural heritage, architecture, and crafts. What I love about Myanmar is that we work with goldsmiths who truly do not use anything but their hands; there’s no CAD, no AI, no computer assistance. They are so skilled and so incredible at their work, I am the happiest when I’m there. This collection is about spinel; we sourced the spinel through a woman called Cherry, who has a farm in Mogok. They have animals and crops, but also on their land is small artisanal mining, so these gems are found on her farm, and her brother cuts them. So, we have hand-cut stones, working the way we always do – following the natural shape of the stone as much as possible, just enhancing and allowing a gentle sparkle to come through. We have every colour under the sun in these wonderful spinels. Having worked in Myanmar for ten years now, we’ve seen a lot of changes, and currently there is a conflict that creates challenges in working there. For example, in Mogok, where the stones are from, getting them to Yangon can be very difficult – even though the distance is short, it’s challenging moving across the country. So, in fact, I designed these pieces around the stones that we can find and have access to in Yangon.  

These pieces are on handmade chains, but it’s really about showcasing these beautiful little sparkly stones. The thing I love most about working in Myanmar is that I can see how directly working with the artisans, and seeing their pride and their joy in creating, knowing that this contributes to their livelihoods and the sustainability of craft and heritage in their country, makes them very special.