Welcome to my newest blog series, Spark to Sparkle.
Spark to Sparkle
As a designer, I collect inspiration from all different places and translate it into wearable jewelry. I have loads of files, folders, notebooks, and camera reels full of images and sketches. There are, however, many concepts that never make it past the initial idea stage. I thought it would be fun to look behind the scenes to share what did:
First up: the best-selling The Mopani design.
This design exists as a trio of pieces: the medium-sized Mopani Leaf earrings, the mini-sized Mopani studs, and the Mopani pendant necklace.
Reminiscent of angels wings, or butterflies, these modern, geometric earrings look like they are flying. When I display them at shows, people often comment upon them, asking about the inspiration.
They are designed after Mopani (also spelled Mopane) leaves, which grow in thickets on trees across Southern Africa and Zimbabwe, where I first saw them on safari in 2019. Above, a (blurry) photo I took holding one of these unique, bifoliate (double) leaves.
Sculptural and three-dimensional, these earrings are simple in their geometry, but they really catch the light and are perfect for all nature lovers.
One of my favorite things about this earring design is that they look just as lovely no matter which way they face on your ear. Wear them points up or down, it doesn't change the appeal of their simplicity. Much like a leaf in the wind, they can go however they please.
