A fool’s spring, they call it. That time of year when you experience a series of warm days and start to think that maybe, just maybe, winter is over. But we know better than that by now, don’t we? Because then the temperature drops 30 degrees, the wind and rain blow, or worse—an epic snowstorm hits.

It seems we humans aren’t the only ones who can be fooled. Each year, I witness the sprouts on the trees start to spring to life, the buds on the rose bushes pop bright pink and red, the cherry blossoms begin to fill D.C.’s tidal basin with pink. And each year, I think, Not yet, little ones! It’s too soon! And then I worry that they won’t survive the cold that’s coming our way.

They always do. Mother Nature has a way of figuring things out—it’s not her first rodeo. But for us, it’s a tease. Optimistically, it’s a nice little taste of what’s to come, if we can only be patient for just a little longer. Pessimistically, it’s a look at what we can’t have quite yet, for we must endure the last of winter.

Of course, for those on the West Coast or elsewhere in the world, this experience might not sound familiar (or at least much of the snow part). But we all know what it’s like to bask in the presence of fresh blooms, and what a beautiful thing it is.

So why wait? Break out the flower jewelry as quick as you can, in a show of support for those flowers and leaves pushing their way out of a long dormant season. If we have to be patient with the weather, let’s focus on the cheerful things we can control: dressing brightly, accessorizing even more colorfully.

For me, the pink opal flower earrings by Syna are an ideal embodiment of what the awakening of spring means where I live. Their baby-sweet hue is reminiscent of the cherry blossoms that delight our eyes (and make our noses itch). The earrings have that oversize stature that I covered here last week, a statement perfect for emerging from our winter cocoons, out into the sunshine (or at least into our backyards).

The earrings are one of a kind, with petals hand-carved and harnessed by glossy golden lines that add elegance and warmth. Then, of course, there are diamonds, the centerpieces that make the pair a nice contender for anyone celebrating an April birthday—though I’d argue these would suit a Mother’s Day gift list even better.

And so I say, for the benefit of myself more than anyone else—though perhaps you need to hear it too—be patient. The spring will come, and better times will come, too. For what feels to be this homestretch, we’ll do what we can to create our own warmth and cheer, including accessorizing in every possible way with sweet, sweet flowers.

 - BRITTANY SIMINITZ, JCK BRITT'S PICK, MARCH 15, 2021

https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/britts-pick-flower-earrings-syna/

You may have noticed how often the swallow features in our jewelry. It’s not just because they’re beautiful creatures with striking, elegant silhouettes. We are in love with the spirit that these little birds embody. And we’re not alone: the swallow has been immortalized in art and myth throughout human history. From the Arctic tundra to the tip of Patagonia, wherever there are people, there are swallows. And many of those people, past and present, have watched their distinctive shapes dart across the sky every spring, gathering for their annual migration, wondering where exactly it is they go and how they always find their way back.

The swallow’s migration is an incredible journey. Departing from Northern Europe, they cross the Mediterranean, fly over the Sahara, and don’t stop until they reach South Africa, traveling literally halfway around the world. And the amazing thing is, they always come back to the exact place they left. They have a desire to explore the world, but they know where home is: perhaps that is why they symbolize loyalty in China and Japan.  

These birds love to chat, too. They’re constantly chirping with one another, and they are rarely seen fighting. There is a lesson about open communication and peaceful relationships that we can learn from them!

Wanderlust

Anyone with a profound wanderlust can find inspiration in the swallow. These are innately social birds that seem to radiate peace and happiness, yet they have a strong spirit of independence. They are hardworking world travelers, full of energy. And though they can’t be tied to one place, you can rest assured that they will always come home.

Around the world, swallows symbolize the beginning of spring, bringing with them sunshine, warmth, and new life. They inspire us to live an authentic life in which we value both independence and community. The swallow knows that this is the source of a happy, peaceful life of fulfillment.

We’re always drawing inspiration from the beauty that surrounds us, and what better place to look than the natural world? The motifs, colors, and patterns of nature provide an infinite well of inspiration for us to draw from, from the patterns of curling vines to the color palettes of the peacock’s tail.

We feel an innate connection with nature, and just as a tree has its roots planted deeply in the soil, we too feel stable, peaceful, and centered when we are in the midst of nature. This human connection to the natural world is something we’re often missing in modern life, but it is almost universal, expressed in numerous cultures throughout history in the Tree of Life motif. The Tree of Life connects the earth to the sky, the ground to the underground, and the world of everyday experiences to a higher spiritual realm. It symbolizes this life’s connection to the next one in the cycle of rebirth. Our Tree of Life pendants and rings let you carry a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life with you everywhere you go.

It's amazing how these patterns of life repeat themselves in different contexts. Trees, coral, snowflakes, and even the dendritic inclusions found in agate display the same branching patterns. The Dendritic Agate Pendant, which features a rare natural dendritic agate, seems to capture a tree swaying in the breeze on a hazy summer morning. The stone feels alive, in a sense, in that it has grown and propagated just like plant life.

From the mesmerizing branching patterns of coral to the rhythmic spiral of the cactus, every ecosystem on Earth gives us something to draw from. Pieces like our Vineyard Diamond Earrings bring the French flair of the Art Nouveau era into the 21st century. We love the delicate, feminine beauty of the style, which we also find in the unmistakable silhouette of the swallow and the sinews of the cherry blossom tree.

You don’t have to travel around the world to find inspiration in nature. You only have to look in your backyard. Everyday encounters with something as humble as an acorn inspire us to create something like the Acorn Seed Pendant.

Flowers, leaves, and palm trees burst to life in diamond, garnet, aquamarine, pink opal, and 18k gold. All of this subtle beauty is made possible, in part, by the work of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and we celebrate their contribution to the Jardin Collection.

The Jardin Collection is a garden in bloom year-round. Carry its romantic beauty with you in all seasons, wherever you go.

One of the most common ways we slow down our progress is by rushing the process. We want everything right now. We seem to have lost our self-discipline, but what we have really lost is our patience. 

Grass doesn't grow faster by tugging on it. The best things in life don't manifest instantly. We seem to overestimate what we can do in a month and we underestimate what we can do in a few years. We are in love with the result, but not the work - not knowing that it's the work that brings us fulfillment, not the result.

Take your time. Plant seeds. Give things their chance to grow. Keep moving, but don't stress out. Sometimes the best way to arrive on time is to stop running. 

Keep growing a little better than what you were yesterday, life is that simple! 

The wise and protective owl is an inspirational choice to represent a family that crafts beautiful jewelry, as it holds layers of symbolism passed down through ancient folklore. Along with its widespread recognition as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, the owl represents the virtuous traits of mysticism, protection, foresight, and prosperity.

In Indian mythology, the mystical owl is revered as the “Vahan” or vehicle of the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. On the joyous occasion of Diwali, the raucous festival of lights, sighting an owl is considered an auspicious event. If you spot an owl on Diwali, you can expect a cascade of wellbeing, opulence, and good fortune. As an icon of the Goddess of Wealth, owl imagery adorned clothing, household items, and bestiaries, gracing the wearer or owner with the goddess’s loving devotion.

Cute yet bold, the prize-winning owl pendant from our Jardin collection is a compelling work of art. Painstakingly carved from a seamless mélange of oxidized silver and 18K gold, this decadent piece is complemented with delicate diamond accents. Intricate details such as the bird’s mystical feathers give the pendant a daring, alluring appeal. The gleaming, viridescent tsavorite garnets perfectly capture the noble bird’s enduring, insightful, and benevolent eyes. The nocturnal owl’s ability to see in the dark makes it a powerful messenger between this world and a higher plane of existence while its piercing, intelligent gaze roots out deception and trickery from malevolent forces. The owl guides us in being true to ourselves and loving every inch of our being.

The limited-edition owl ring is a must-have to complement the stunning owl pendant. The owl’s powerful, protective presence is brought to life through the striking contrast between 18K yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver. The green tsavorite garnet eyes cohesively bind the contrasting elements together with a pop of color.

Owls are striking creatures that are believed to be blessed with a prophetic gift of intuition. Through the symbol of the owl, we channel the qualities of observation, tranquility, and intelligence. True prosperity can only be attained by seeing through illusions and persevering even where others have failed. The owl is the perfect embodiment of unwavering focus, patience, clairvoyance, inner peace, and good fortune.

Music is not just about the notes. Chord progressions, melodies, harmonies, and the way these components interact are part of the experience, but dynamics matter, too: when to play loud, when to play quiet, when to keep it steady, when to surprise the listener and get quiet when they’re expecting loud. And perhaps even more important than the notes you play are the notes you don’t play: the silences between phrases, the gaps that create rhythm.

Meaningful

While playing lots of notes at a high volume makes a lot of noise and gets noticed, the gaps and silences, space and rhythm, make a thoughtful statement. It’s the same in other art forms—the colors you don’t use, the space you don’t fill, the ideas you don’t express, the action you don’t explain is as meaningful as what you actually do paint, or write—and fashion is no different. Luxury is no longer about making the most noise with brand names and logos everywhere. It’s not about conveying status or calling attention; it’s about wearing something that is well-made, meaningful, and quietly stylish.

The distinction underlines the difference between flash and taste, between the latest hype and a carefully considered aesthetic. The person interested in the latter exudes confidence and personality: they are not making purchases based on status but on what they find beautiful and made with craftsmanship and artistry.

More Joy

It is also about making intentional choices. We are all becoming increasingly concerned about the future, about what kind of world we want to create, live in, and leave for future generations. These attitudes filter into our purchasing habits. We want things that are going to put more joy into our lives and into the world. We want things that are going to last a lifetime, not fall apart or fall out of fashion in a year. We’re not buying to show off wealth or show that we’re part of some trend; we want things that are meaningful to us, that connect us with others, things that are handmade and are built to last.

You know how good your clothes and jewelry are, and that makes you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, or whether or not they know what brand you’re wearing or how much you paid for it because you’re doing it for yourself. And soon, others will take notice. Not because you’re calling attention to yourself, but because of the aesthetic you’ve put together and the confidence you exude while wearing it. You’re not making a lot of noise; you’re playing the silences, making music in the pauses. That’s the essence of “quiet luxury,” the understated statement.