FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
TrendsJul 09, 2018
Buddha Mama’s Egyptian Fascination
The new Ankh collection sees the Miami brand embrace a new set of symbols.
Miami—Ancient iconography is one of the cornerstones of Buddha Mama design and the brand’s latest collection sees it opening the door to a whole new set of symbols.
The “Ankh” collection is inspired by ancient Egypt and Buddha Mama interprets the period's trove of icons through its signature blend of over-the-top luxury and whimsical camp.
“I’ve always been fascinated with Egyptian culture and symbols,” said Dakota Badia, the daughter of the mother-daughter Buddha Mama design duo. “This collection is something I’ve been accumulating ideas for over the past couple of years and couldn’t wait to produce.”
Badia said the 15-piece assortment—comprised predominantly of pendants and rings in 20-karat yellow gold with enamel and gemstones—took about eight to 10 months in total to create.
Her favorite piece is a large red enamel collar with the symbol of Egyptian goddess Isis at its focal point, surrounded by repeated imagery of ankhs, pyramids and scarabs. “It’s got some weight to it, and it feels great on,” she explained. It retails for $46,000. 
Other highlights include a Nefertiti pendant carved in Sleeping Beauty turquoise, which retails for $25,300, and the Buddha Mama version of a charm bracelet, consisting of four large panels depicting an elaborate pharaoh, scarab, an ankh atop a pyramid and an eye of Horus. The showstopper costs $60,000.
“The symbols are not only beautiful and bold, but I believe they are still so easily recognized and appreciated today. Egyptian imagery is something I’ve always gravitated toward,” Badia said, noting it fit the Buddha Mama requirement for jewelry that is talismanic and based on sacred symbolism.
Buddha Mama showed the collection at the Couture show in June, where the brand graduated from the Design Atelier to a ballroom booth this year.
Ankh, and expansions to other Buddha Mama collections, will hit stores like Broken English, select Neiman Marcus locations and Marissa Collections in the fall, plus a few new retailers Buddha Mama picked up at the jewelry trade show.
Badia said up next among the brand’s projects is a men’s collection, slated for unveiling in the “near future.”
Buddha Mama
This bracelet features four intricate panels depicting an eye of Horus (pictured left), a pharaoh (pictured right), an ankh above a pyramid and a scarab. Made of 20-karat yellow gold,enamel and 6.63 total carats of diamonds, it is priced at $60,0000 retail.
A close-up of the Isis collar shows its enamel and gold detailing. Featuring 7.78 carats of diamonds, the 20-karat yellow gold style costs $46,000.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Trends
The Latest
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
SourcingJan 10, 2025
De Beers, GJEPC Partner to Promote Natural DiamondsThe pair will work together to support independent retailers in India with marketing assets, training materials, and other tools.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
