We are a small company, and we like it that way. It allows us to work closely with our friends and family, and to bring our customers into that family, and nothing is more valuable to us than that ability to create a community. We are committed to treating everyone with integrity and respect, and we understand our responsibility to the world.

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their talents. Everyone deserves a healthy start to life in order to do so. And because we are all in this together, we are committed to supporting a number of nonprofit organizations around the world working to achieve these goals.

Sankara Eye Foundation

More than 80% of cases of blindness are preventable. But too many people lack access to the healthcare that could treat these preventable diseases. Dedicated to giving the “Gift of Vision” to those who normally could not afford it, Sankara Eye Foundation uses the 80/20 rule to give free eye care to 80% of their patients, an endeavor funded by the paid services of 20% of their patients.

What began as a single clinic in the south of India grew steadily over the course of 40 years to become a network of more than a dozen hospitals across the country. We are proud to be associated with an organization dedicated to bringing all that is beautiful in the world to everyone’s eyes.

Smile Train

Cleft lip or palate is a condition that affects 1 in every 500-750 live births around the world, the result of tissues of the face not joining properly in development. It is a common condition that can cause major problems with feeding and speech, and can also lead to hearing problems and ear infections, not to mention the social and psychological effects. But the good news is that it is treatable with a relatively simple surgery.

That is why we support Smile Train, a New York City-based nonprofit that has spent the past two decades providing surgery and support to over a million children in almost 100 countries born with a cleft lip or palate. Beyond the surgery to repair the condition, they also provide speech therapy, psychological counseling, and nutritional services to children affected.

It was watching the documentary Smile Pinki that inspired us to join Smile Train in their mission to change the world one smile at a time. The film follows the struggles of Pinki Sonkar, a five-year-old Indian girl living with a cleft lip. Pinki’s story does have a happy ending, though, as she eventually receives free cleft lip surgery through The Smile Train.

Soka Gakkai International

Soka Gakkai International is a grassroots Buddhist organization that values equality, harmony, and encourages world peace, values we need to see in the world now more than ever. SGI acts on these values by engaging in peace activities such as human rights education, promoting sustainable development, and joining in the movement to abolish nuclear weapons. The most diverse Buddhist community in the United States, SGI boasts more than 500 chapters and 100 centers across the country. Soka Gakkai reminds us that everything is interconnected, and we all share the responsibility of caring for one another and our environment.

When we make a decision, a new path emerges. If nothing emerges, you haven't made a decision, you've just come to a conclusion. A conclusion says "you should do this" whereas a decision says "let's do this". Our rational mind is good at generating conclusions, but our emotional mind makes decisions. The reason is our navigator but emotion presses the gas pedal. 

The word "decide" literally means "to cut off". Making a decision is about cutting off all other options, chopping away what's irrelevant. A firm decision is like a future set in stone. That's why visionaries are so powerful, they see a future as if it already exists, and they decide to make it happen. Think about Steve Jobs who said, "We started out to get a computer in the hands of everyday people, and we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams" 

So the point is, start with the vision in mind. Make it crystal clear where you want to go, or who you want to be, and ask yourself if you're willing to take responsibility for it. Decisions and responsibility go hand in hand. Without responsibility, there can be no decision. So find out what it is you want, and cut off everything else that's irrelevant. And then you will see a path emerge.

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/

Since time immemorial, jewelry has been a statement of self and an expression of belief, personality, and identity. For many, the precious stones and metals used in jewelry are believed to have talismanic and mystical benefits, granting balance, spiritual guidance, and strength. Our Navratna Mogul Bead Necklace is one such piece. This exceptionally crafted piece will transform any outfit into a stunning statement. Its beauty lies in the way that the nine distinct gems integrate into a cohesive, balanced, and powerful package.

According to Vedic astrology, all living beings are influenced by the nine heavenly bodies or celestial deities—the Navagrahas—each one corresponding to one of the planets visible to the naked eye, the sun, and the moon. Each of these nine “grahas” has a gem associated with it and can regulate its associated celestial body’s cosmic rays. A precise arrangement of these gems produces a cosmic balance and wards off negative karmic energies.

In the Navratna Mogul Bead Necklace, you’ll find a heavenly arrangement of ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, garnet, and cat’s eye, with each carefully selected gem carrying its own celestial significance.

Associated with the fire of the sun, Ruby forms the central element of the Navratna. This sparkling red gemstone improves leadership and independence and grants unwavering focus while protecting the wearer from negative energy and psychic attacks.

Flawless, unblemished Pearl represents the moon and revitalizes mental health and stability. Its feminine energy encourages purity, contentment, and faith.

Red Coral is connected with energetic Mars and enlivens the person wearing it. The richness and depth of its color will have you feeling perceptive, courageous, and vital, empowered to achieve all of your goals.

Mercury is considered the planet of intellect and communication, and its benefits are regulated by the pristine Emerald. This gem stimulates mental control and memory and enhances eloquence.

Yellow Sapphire is governed by Jupiter, which embodies the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and enthusiasm. This intriguing gem will bring you closer to joy and good fortune.

Diamond brings luxury, pleasure, and wealth into your life, a fitting representative of opulent Venus.

Blue Sapphire, when worn in conjunction with the other stones, balances the adverse effects associated with Saturn. The delicate and dreamy gem helps you gain humility, maturity, and tolerance.

The final two gems regulate the effects of the ascending and descending lunar nodes. The lunar node is the point at which the moon crosses the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun. Garnet neutralizes the negative energy of Rahu, the ascending lunar node, bringing an invigorating wave of relief from depression and anxiety. The alluring Cat’s Eye brings out the positive effects of Ketu, the descending lunar node, providing you with clarity, encouraging spiritual awakening, and sharpening your intuition.

The Navratnas orbit with an enthralling beauty, rich with meaning and cosmic potency. Accentuate your charm and embrace the divine powers by bringing together these magnificent gemstones. This Mogul masterpiece will resonate with your soul and is sure to be revered for centuries to come, just as it has been throughout history.