The designer becomes the client again – many years after Fortuna was born, I found myself in a self- care cycle that necessitated a new creation, just for me. Embarked upon a journey that required asking myself the type of questions I would usually ask my clients during our consultation sessions. What would I want as a client? “A ring for my ring finger!” was the immediate response, followed by the instant afterthought that would associate a ring on that finger with marriage. But is creation and design really about upholding the status quo or pushing boundaries and giving birth to new concepts? With one mission in mind, Apple of My Eyes was made from sterling silver. An instant connection was made at first wear, a gift to self. On my travels to Iran, the ring caught a lot of people’s attention and I was asked to recreate the Apple of My Eyes for them. But when my grandmother was the one who asked, my immediate reflex was to hand her the ring because she is truly the apple of my eyes. She insisted that I keep the ring, but I put it on her finger, looked at her hands as if it would be the last time I would see them. Now she has a part of me on her finger and a part of her will come back to me as the cycle of life continues.

Inspired by the shape of a seashell with a pearl inside, “You are safe” collection was created. The ring and the bracelet in this collection were designed and handmade for my aunt. A surprise gift for her, this line would directly speak to her happy, excited and impeccable sense of style. The feeling of a pearl safe inside a shell was recreated through the bronze ball placed inside the sterling silver bowl. The hammered finish gives this collection a multidimensional look from all angles – one that resonates deeply with all of the dimensions to my aunt’s personality.