Behind The Piece - 21kt Gold We Are Everything Necklace

The “We Are Everything” necklace is made in Myanmar in partnership with arts charity Turquoise Mountain. Turquoise Mountain was founded by King Charles in 2006 to promote, sustain and pass on the traditional skills of artisans in the Levant, Afghanistan, and Myanmar; countries that have also experienced, or are experiencing, conflict. This support for the arts and crafts of Myanmar has been vital to provide livelihoods and training.  It is also, most importantly, a celebration of beautiful cultures, the resilience of people, and the essential art of handmade creations.This necklace was made in 21kt gold - the preferred gold purity of the goldsmiths - the colour is warm and bright. The piece is made of hammered sheets of gold, which is then cut into gold figures with a small saw. We have created a story of animals, birds, fish, and insects; of streams, clouds, and flowers; the sun, the moon, and the trees. It is the story of our planet, of nature’s law of connection, a reminder that we rely on the interconnectedness of every element for our survival and well-being.

This necklace is from a collection called ‘Tender Greens’, which refers to both the young shoots of plants, but also to take great care of and be tender with each other in our words and actions.

The goldsmiths in the beautiful workshop in Yangon are all Buddhists and are very conscious when they work. The complete concentration and focus on their work, with clear minds and hearts, means they put so much love and pride into their work. I feel very privileged and proud to work with them.