In the late 1990s, any time you browsed the greeting cards or wall calendars at say, a Borders (remember them?), you’d likely be met with the most beguiling photographs of babies. Often the little cherubs would be blissfully sleeping—nestled in the folds of a calla lily, or perched atop a fairy toadstool. Some sported cabbage leaf hats or headdresses made of water lilies. Impossibly adorable. Unmistakably the work of Anne Geddes.
The noted Australian photographer has been working steadily since then, expanding her core business to include not only art prints, books, and stationery, but also dress-up costumes, puzzles, and even paint for baby’s nursery.
Her latest venture is a line of fine jewelry that celebrates pregnancy, motherhood, and all manner of new beginnings (should the mommy angle not pertain to you).
Designed in consultation with SHR Jewelry Group (known for its involvement in the Vera Wang Love collection for Zales), many of the pieces directly reference some of Geddes’ iconic photos, as in the example shown below.
The Anne Geddes photograph that inspired the design of the line’s Genesis Pendant
Other pieces subtly reference a woman’s rounded belly during pregnancy and the lush florals that distinguish much of Geddes’ photography.
Building the collection around a pearl was a strategic choice (we know that girls love pearls) as well as a personal one (“I love pearls in particular because they’re organic, and take on your body temperature when you wear them, which also increases their luster,” says Geddes. “I like to touch them, and how soft they feel.”).
A gem with a natural gestation period, pearls also align conceptually with the collection’s design story. The pearl is meant to represent a baby; the tiny, bezel-set accent diamond is, as Geddes puts it, the “spark of new life.” It’s a lovely metaphor on many levels, but especially if you’ve ever seen the tiny flicker of a heartbeat during an ultrasound.
As of October, the collection is being sold on HSN but new, exclusive pieces are set to launch in 100 Kay Jewelers stores in time for the holidays.
But raise your hand if you’d like to see a limited-edition Anne Geddes x Paspaley collaboration down the road. Geddes has toured the company’s Australian pearl farm, so who knows?
Genesis Pendant with cultured black and gray pearls and diamond accent in sterling silver, $99.95
Heavenly Bracelet with cultured gray and lavender pearls, white zircons, and diamond accent in sterling silver, $229.95
Sacred Swaddle Pendant with cultured pearl and diamond accent in sterling silver, $99.95
Hope Earrings with cultured pink and white pearls, white zircons, and diamond accent in sterling silver, $199.95
Forever Flower Ring with cultured pearl, white zircons, and diamond accent, $169.95
Nurture Bypass Ring with cultured black and gray pearls, white zircons, and diamond accent in sterling silver, $134.95
Wonder Earrings with cultured black pearls and diamond accent, $124.95
Cherish Wrapped Bundle Pendant with cultured pearl, white zircons, and diamond accent on a leather cord, $199.95
Miracle Knot Ring with cultured pearl, white zircons, and diamond accent, $99.95
(Top: Image courtesy of Anne Geddes)
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