Jewels from the dragon's claw~
Women's love affair with Jewelries
As girls, we always dream about having the most prettiest and sparkling jewelries and accessories in our closet. For instance, history has constantly revealed a woman’s penchant for wearing something beautiful on her neck, arms, ears and fingers.
And whatever the design of the piece - be it just a simple pendant, earrings, or chunky bangles---there is something about the gold, diamonds and the precious gemstones that attracts ladies to these decorative pieces.
1.The star jeweler of Bhutan
Sonam Rabgye, who is 33 years old is a small- time jewelry designer and her eponymous jewelry brand is setting a trend in the country. Since childhood, Sonam has always been fascinated by fashion and engaged herself in painting, sketching and doodling in edges of her notebooks.
She mentions that to be able to spread love and cherish memories and to tell a story through her work is a great achievement that showers her with immense joy and humbleness.
The Beautiful jeweler of Bhutan- Sonam Rabgye
THE ENDLESS KNOT NECKLACE, made of gold and diamonds, represents an assembling of eight interlinking auspicious symbols and the amulet certainly brought luck to its designer, Sonam Rabgye when she received a royal order from Her Majesty The Queen of Bhutan, Azhi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. The VIP customer has gifted The Endless Knot Necklace to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
The Duchess of Cambridge during her trip to the country ( RIGHT: the gold and diamond Endless Knot, also known as the "Kate Middleton Necklace").
2. "Bhutanese by heart"
"I am a Bhutanese by heart" says Sonam , who spent most of her youth dwelling abroad like America, Switzerland, Thailand and India. As Bhutan walks on the path of modernization, majority of the population travel to places like Bangkok and Hong Kong to shop for jewelries.
Thus, Sonam states that her designs are exclusively for Bhutanese city girls; pieces rooted in tradition with a touch of modern style.
Prayers wheels serve as a source of inspiration for Sonam Rabgye's creation
One of her latest line include contemporary touch on a well known traditional bead called Dzi bead, that is believed to be a rare and precious ornament passed between generations. "I was inspired by the myth and mystique of this bead, so I designed a silver version with colors representing the four elements of nature: water, wind, air and fire" says Sonam.
Silver dzi necklace by Sonam Rabgye, representing the elements of nature
3. Lifting up with hands of help
The fact that you’re helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, can make you feel happier and more fulfilled. This is what Sonam Rabgye exactly does!
Keeping away with complacency, Sonam Rabgye partnered with Gyalyum Charitable Trust (GCT), a foundation that supports craftswomen though employment and marketing.
Majority of Sonam Rabgye's creations are sold at GCT's handicrafts shop in Thimphu, where 20 percent of the sales goes to the charity. "My creative process is about giving back and creating something that is meaningful to each customer" she apprises.
The valentine collection - The Endless Knot Necklace by Sonam Rabgye
4. Accentuate your shine!
Sonam's finest pieces are created with raw materials sourced from Thailand, Burma and India. She expresses how her pieces are more like her.
"They come from around the world but always have Bhutan—its soul, customs, nature, religion—at heart."
The audacious spirit of Sonam Rabgye's jewelry presents innovation, functionality and modern touch to the conventional Bhutanese style.
Take the collection of broaches and bracelets she crafted to adorn yourself and you can also gift your beloved ones with Sonam Rabgye's charming jewelry box of pendants. Let the you shine through !
For more details on Sonam Rabgye and her work, click here and you can also have an opportunity to purchase her limited editions. It’s a must buy for anyone seeking a unique edit of jewelry piece from the land of thunder dragon.