The elephant is big in our house these days. A likeness of the animal can be found everywhere, from my cell phone cover to any number of newborn-size onesies (okay, so mostly it’s all about the baby-related stuff). We have somehow decided that the elephant is our daughter’s—who we call Ellie—favorite animal, and, until she’s old enough to tell us otherwise, that’s the way it shall be.

I guess we started adopting elephants in all shapes and forms (not real ones, obviously), because of the baby’s name, but it wasn’t really a conscious decision to do so. I guess in a way, the elephant chose us.

And what better animal to revere? In many cultures, the elephant is a sign of strength and power, though it’s a gentle, loyal spirit. Do you know the saying “an elephant never forgets”? I take it as a good thing—a solid long-term memory is an enviable gift.

Since I am now Mother of Elephants, I was instantly captivated with this charming necklace by Ela Rae. Skilled with bohemian-style jewelry, the New York–based company, helmed by creative director and founder, Pamela Mufson, is exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas for the first time this year. The brand is currently stocked at retailers such as Free People, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s, as well as sold online through the brand’s own website.

A hand-knitted silk necklace is strung with pyrite beads, hanging a quintet of charms—one of those being my beloved elephant, a second, another favorite of mine: a diamond-dotted star disk pendant. Single-cut champagne diamonds dust each design, lending no shortage of sparkle to this beautiful piece.

You can find Ela Rae in the Bridge neighborhood at JCK Las Vegas, at booth B13144.

Sylvie Luxe necklace in hand-knotted silk and 14k yellow gold, with pyrite and champagne diamonds, price on request

Brittany Siminitz

JCK Contributing Editor