Trends

Foundrae, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Created This Medallion

TrendsMar 20, 2019

Foundrae, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Created This Medallion

The 18-karat gold piece celebrates the author who wrote “Americanah” and the freedom of writers worldwide, with proceeds going to Pen America.

20190320_Chimamanda_medal.jpg
Foundrae designer Beth Bugdaycay created the “Freedom of Expression” medallion with the input of award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and will donate 100 percent of retail profits to Pen America. A nonprofit that protects the lives and works of writers, Pen America is the largest of the 100 centers worldwide that make up the Pen International network.

New York—In her jewelry store that doubles as a lending library on Manhattan’s Lispenard Street, Foundrae founder Beth Bugdaycay recently packed the house so people could hear from her latest medallion muse—award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.


A native of Nigeria who now divides her time between her home country and the United States, Adichie is the author of six books, including “Half of a Yellow Sun,” which won the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction in 2007, and “Americanah,” which won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction.

In 2009 Adichie gave a TED Talk that remains one of the organization’s most-viewed, called “The Danger of a Single Story.” In 2012, she delivered a subsequent TED Talk titled “We Should All Be Feminists,” which she adapted into a book by the same name.

Bugdaycay created the “Freedom of Expression” charm in honor of the writer, combining her belief that jewelry should be a tool of expression—in this case, expressing a belief in supporting freedom of speech—with her love of literature that is wholly evident at her store.

Bookshelves surround the sales floor at Foundrae, stacked and lined with works on jewelry, both old and new, alongside classics such as Jane Austen’s “Emma” and books from modern-day authors like Louise Erdrich. Customers are allowed to borrow from the in-store library and are welcome to donate to it too.

When the Freedom of Expression medallion starts selling in the store and at Foundrae retail partners in May, 100 percent of the retail profits will go to Pen America, a nonprofit comprised of professional writers—novelists, journalists, editors, poets, playwrights, etc.—as well as readers and other supporters who work to protect freedom of expression worldwide, standing up on behalf of writers who are censored, threatened or jailed.   

Adichie is a long-standing member of PEN alongside authors such as Barbara Kingsolver, Toni Morrison, and Salman Rushdie.

“I am kind of jet-lagged because I’m still on Lagos time, so if at some point I start to slur my speech it’s not because I’ve had too much [to drink],” Adichie confessed as she took the floor at the March 12 event, drawing laughter from the crowd. “But I do want to say that Pen does such exceptional work so for me to be here supporting Pen, it was an easy thing. I didn’t have to think about it.

“I think it’s

easy for all of us to say we care about freedom of speech until it gets difficult, and then it gets difficult. But Pen doesn’t stand down.”

The author said from time to time, she finds herself joking—"sometimes not joking, but mostly joking”—about being imprisoned by the Nigerian government, and said she knows if this were to happen, “Pen would be there for me.”

While Adichie credits Bugdaycay for creating the “gorgeous” piece, the author did select the four symbols that appear on the Freedom of Expression medallion; here is why she chose what she chose.

The garnet-set triangle at the top and the yellow topaz at the bottom are meant to represent fire, “to symbolize that which can embolden and energize, but can also consume,” she said, while the infinity symbol honors “the endlessness of those things we hold dear: Freedom, the dignity of every human heart.”

The arrow, meanwhile, represents forward motion, stressing that “the journey of progress is unfinished,” while the arrows crossing in the center remind people to live passionately, as our time on earth is short.  

Foundrae is making only 40 of the 18-karat yellow gold Freedom of Expression medallions, which it will sell beginning May 1 at its store in Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood as well as through retail partners worldwide.

Retailers that carry Foundrae include Ylang 23 in Dallas; Juicy Lucy in Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and Tayloe Piggott Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming.

The medal retails for $3,950, with 100 percent of the retail profits going to Pen America, with the goal of raising $120,000 for the organization.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Jacquie Aiche Lizzie Bracelet
CollectionsNov 05, 2024
Jacquie Aiche is Hosting an Online Treasure Hunt

One lucky winner will receive a “Lizzie” diamond bracelet.

Samantha Larson
IndependentsNov 05, 2024
Long's Jewelers Names New Director of Buying

Samantha Larson has joined the Boston-based retailer.

Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program logo
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
JA, BIJC Now Accepting EJAP Applications for 2025

The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program will guide retail jewelry entrepreneurs through an eight-month educational curriculum.

Jewelers Mutual Group Cybersecurity
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for Jewelers

From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.

Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Events & AwardsNov 05, 2024
Tiffany & Co., CDFA Announce Design Award Finalists

Ten chosen designers will receive mentorship and participate in a design contest for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award.

Weekly QuizOct 31, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Dana J. Lorberg
MajorsNov 04, 2024
Jewelers Mutual Appoints Mastercard Exec to Its Board

Dana J. Lorberg brings 35 years of experience in finance, technology, and strategy to the role.

FBI robbery surveillance photo
CrimeNov 04, 2024
FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers

The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.

Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Enhance Your Expertise with IGI’s In-Person Courses in NYC

This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.

Models wearing Black Sand Pebble ring and Surf bracelet
CollectionsNov 04, 2024
John Hardy’s New Jewels Turn the Black Sands of Bali into Diamonds

The new designs blend Creative Director Reed Krakoff’s aesthetic with the brand’s Balinese roots.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute watch
IndependentsNov 04, 2024
Eiseman Jewels is Celebrating Watches All Month-Long

The Dallas-based jeweler will showcase timepieces from Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Parmigiani Fleurier, and more.

Artist Reena Ahluwalia “Pristine” painting
SourcingNov 01, 2024
Reena Ahluwalia Donates Diamond Painting to Benefit CJA

The artwork, titled “Pristine,” was raffled off at the Canadian Jewellers Association’s recent summit.

Gunderson’s Jewelers in Omaha, Nebraska
IndependentsNov 01, 2024
Gunderson’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Nebraska

The new store features a custom design studio and a bridal salon.

Sydney Evan x Wicked “Spell Book” coin charm
CollectionsNov 01, 2024
Piece of the Week: Sydney Evan Gets ‘Wicked’

Designer Rosanne Karmes has created a collection to coincide with the release of the movie musical, which is expected to be a blockbuster.

Charles & Colvard moissanite ring
FinancialsOct 31, 2024
Charles & Colvard Faces Possible Nasdaq Delisting

The retailer said it will file the necessary paperwork to regain compliance as soon as it is able.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsOct 31, 2024
Peter Smith: Nervous Flyers and Emotional Selling

Whether you’re calming the jittery gentleman in seat 13B or selling a diamond ring to a hesitant customer, an empathetic approach is best.

Annie E. Doresca, Grant Mobley, Alexis Padis, Terry Chandler
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

The gala includes a red carpet, music from DJ Renata, an awards program, and “mystery boxes.”

Instore show 2025
Events & AwardsOct 31, 2024
The Instore Show Returns To Chicago Area

The trade show, in its third year, will take place in late September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Constance Polamalu
Lab-GrownOct 31, 2024
Q&A: Constance Polamalu on Selling Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.

Gem Awards New York City
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award

The 2025 Gem Awards are scheduled to take place March 14 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

Peggy Grosz
MajorsOct 30, 2024
Peggy Grosz Leaves Assael After Company Is Sold

Grosz had served as Assael’s senior vice president and creative director since 2017.

CD Peacock Love and Celebration Rings
CollectionsOct 30, 2024
CD Peacock Honors Its Hometown of Chicago in First Bridal Collection

“Love and Celebration” is the jeweler’s first in-house collection featuring engagement rings, wedding bands, and celebration rings.

Hands pushing a shopping cart
SurveysOct 30, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rebounds in October

A more positive view of the labor market contributed to the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.

Mejuri store
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2024
Mejuri to Award $50K in Scholarships to Jewelry Design Students

The funds will be distributed to schools in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Jewelers’ Security Alliance President Jennifer Mulvihill
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Cybersecurity Expert Selected as President of Jewelers’ Security Alliance

Jennifer Mulvihill, the first woman to lead JSA in the organization’s 141-year history, takes over for the retiring John Kennedy.

20241030_NYCJW.jpg
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2024
The Can’t-Miss Events of 2024 New York City Jewelry Week

This year’s festivities include more than 100 experiences, such as designer showcases, panel discussions, and even a treasure hunt.

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi
AuctionsOct 29, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Sells for More Than $2M

The GMT-Master “Pepsi” that belonged to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is one of two Apollo-flown Rolex watches ever sold at auction.

Pandora ambassadors Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, and Pamela Anderson
MajorsOct 29, 2024
Pandora’s Holiday Campaign, New Jewelry Celebrate Light and Love

The ads star brand ambassadors Chloe and Halle Bailey and Pamela Anderson.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy