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Checking in with Buddha Mama
Since I’m still getting acclimated with the fine jewelry industry and trying to expose myself to as many brands and people as possible, I decided to join National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff and check out the collections of Buddha Mama two weeks ago. Based on the name and the buzz behind the brand, I was intrigued.
Each piece created by designer Nancy Fredriksen Badia is inspired by Buddhist and Eastern traditions and her travels around the world. The well-made jewelry received a great response while we were at the press preview, as the complete lineup provides a variety of metals, including karat yellow gold and rose gold, as well as sterling silver.
Buddha Mama is also all about giving back--proceeds from jewelry sales are used to support local charitable organizations like Zen Village and the Kristi House.
The core part of the brand’s lineup is the Buddha collection, consisting of Buddhas in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, including a few made of one single piece of carved jasper.
The core line of the Buddha Mama brand features Buddha pieces in various shapes, sizes and colors.
The Dream Catcher collection was inspired the traditional Native American dream catchers, but also features the Buddhist Mandala in the center to represent the blending of the traditional pieces. The Dharma Wheel collection, meanwhile, was created to page homage to one of the oldest symbols in Buddhism, the Dharma Wheel, which represents the endless cycle of birth and rebirth on the path to Enlightenment.
On left are pieces from the Dream Catcher collection, and on the right are a few selections from Dharma Wheel.
Badia also created a line featuring magnetite jade, the rarest form black jade found in Victorville, Calif., which contains such high magnetic crystals that only 24-karat gold can be used to “fill” the imperfections.
The fifth line was called the Auspicious Collection, which is inspired by the Eight Auspicious Symbols in Buddhism that represent good luck. The line features skulls made in silver, 24-karat gold and 14-karat pink gold, and will eventually expand to include other symbols such as Ganesha and Om.
Buddha Mama’s Magnetite Jade Collection is pictured on the left. To the right are pieces from the Auspicious Collection, available in silver, 20-karat gold and 14-karat pink gold.
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