Beautiful new discovery: Swati Jr* Jewelry. And by “beautiful,” I mean beautiful intent, beautiful meaning, beautiful execution. Designer and yogi Saraswati creates made-to-order pieces that are inspired by nature, and designed to honor the goddess within each woman.
Pieces this original don’t come without a story, so I asked Saraswati if she’d answer a few questions for RG about how she was inspired to begin designing jewelry, and what the line represents to her…plus a little advice for those of you who may be interested in jewelry design yourselves.
Interview after the jump…
Ramshackle Glam: How did you get your start designing jewelry?
Saraswati: Years ago, I started working at a bead store, and my obsession with baubles began. I adored anything that came from Africa, India, Afghanistan, etc. and started creating large, ornate necklaces and earrings based on colors or shapes that seemed to honor the old, spiritual, indigenous or ethnic creator within me. If it was old and brass, I loved it. If it had a story, I adored it. If it had a spiritual purpose, it made sense to me. I started to create out of a need to adorn myself, learning new techniques as I went.
RG: What inspired this particular line?
SS: I’ve always wanted my work to mean something – to make sense beyond just fashion. Offering these designs to specific goddesses of the past brings them alive in the present, for me and the wearer. Ideas come to me during meditation, in my yoga practice or walking in the woods with my dogs. It is my hope that these pieces are reminders to the wearer of the strength and power we share collectively, and individually as women.
RG: How do you love seeing your pieces worn?
SS: My fashion sense [is about mixing] the old with the new. I love jeans with a silk blouse, or an old t-shirt with a velvet jacket. I want my work to be worn everyday, but to make the wearer feel special at the same time. I think these pieces can be dressed up or down, with jeans or a little black dress, and with everything in between.
RG: What do the earrings pictured above represent?
SS: [These earrings] are Selene’s Dangles. Selene is a Greek moon goddess who wears a golden crown and is honored at the new and full moon. The shapes of this piece represent the moon and her crown, [using] moonstone and rough-cut Afghani crystal symbolizing the moon, the mind, and clarity.
RG: What advice would you give to a woman who’s interested in starting her own line of jewelry?
SS: Keep creating, keep to your vision, and keep sticking your neck out! Contact new stores and stylists about your work, and above all believe in yourself.
Click here to browse the Swati Jr* Jewelry Creative Powers Collection.
Product sample pictured above generously provided by designer.
