Symbols

Symbols, to me, are one of the most important elements of jewellery. Symbols could represent the children in our families, the people we love, places or animals – anything that means something to us. 

Wearing a piece of jewellery against the body means it becomes part of your life. Your jewellery travels with you through the ups and downs, the adventures and the wonderful bits. Charms are very symbolic because they can be anything – for example, the lion for courage, the butterfly for transformation, the fish for fertility. 

In my own personal collection, I’ve got ancient Tibetan Dzi beads, which are highly protective, I have emeralds, tourmalines and peridots, and I have turquoise that keeps travellers safe. Navratnas have also become an essential part of my body now – they are ancient talismans that are basically a microcosm of our entire universe, related to the planets that bring good fortune and keep away evil. I also have a pair of lovers, the eternal knot, and Amber for protection.

In today’s world, so much around us is mass-produced, trend-driven and often meaningless. The elements we wear next to our skin should resonate deeply on a personal level; they should be made by the hand of a skilled artisan, the materials sourced carefully, and they should carry meaning and emotional value to us.