As part of its sustainability commitment in jewelry and in life, fine jewelry brand Tabayer recently partnered with the Period Abundance Foundation to support its mission to destigmatize periods.
Through Aug. 1, 2024, Tabayer will donate 100% of net proceeds from purchases on its website of the large Tabayer iconic Oera ring to the Period Abundance Foundation, says Tabayer founder Nigora Tokhtabayeva.
These purchases support the Period. community by affording safe, sustainable Period. undergarments to someone who needs it, Tokhtabayeva says.
Tokhtabayeva as a jewelry designer is committed to sustainability, using Fairmined gold, mined by small-scale mining organizations that promote social development and environmental protection, and Kimberley Process–certified, conflict-free diamonds.
“As a mother of three daughters, I strongly believe in raising awareness and providing support for menstrual health and education. The Period Abundance Foundation’s mission aligns with Tabayer’s message of protection, so the connection is very organic and meaningful to me personally,” Tokhtabayeva says.
Inspired by a single motif of Inanna’s Knot, the symbol of Inanna, the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love, fertility, and protection, the Tabayer Oera collection was envisioned as a modern amulet. The large Oera ring retails for $2,850 and is hand-crafted in Italy from 18k Fairmined gold.
JCK spoke to Tokhtabayeva about this project and why she wanted to support the Period Abundance Foundation, the charitable organization that supports The Period Company. Here is an edited version of that conversation.
Period awareness, education, and support is something I truly believe in as a woman and a mother—tell me why as a mom and jewelry designer you wanted to show your support this way?
It came out of one of the conversations with [cofounder] Karla Welch; I was truly inspired by her and the mission of the foundation. The foundation aims to ensure access to safe period products for everyone, which resonates with our ethos of empowerment and safeguarding. By contributing to this cause, we contribute to the well-being and menstrual needs of individuals, addressing a vital yet often overlooked need.
Why this particular piece of jewelry? How does its message or connection to fertility and protection connect to your support of The Period Abundance Foundation?
The choice of the Oera ring, large version, for this partnership is deeply meaningful. This ring is our Hero ring in the Oera collection which is inspired by Inanna’s Knot, a Mesopotamian symbol of fertility and protection. The link between this symbol and female health is profound. Menstrual cycles are intrinsically connected to fertility, representing a natural process that should be embraced and understood. This aligns with the Period Abundance Foundation’s mission to destigmatize periods. We believe in the power of protection, education, and conversation. Each piece is not just a beautiful piece but can be seen as a trigger for a discussion. These subjects are important, so bringing attention to these topics is another important part of this collaboration.
Tell me about your support for sustainability and why you think the jewelry industry needs to move in this direction.
Sustainability is central to Tabayer’s values. We don’t always register the impact we and our actions can have on the world around us. It was important for me to be conscious of this when creating the collection and doing what we can to mitigate any negative impact. Even a small step does count.
We’ve consciously chosen to work with Fairmined gold. We believe that sustainable practices are crucial for the jewelry industry’s future. We’re advocating for positive change by demonstrating that sustainable fine jewelry is achievable. By choosing Fairmined gold, we ensure not only environmental protection but also fair wages, workers’ rights, and gender equality. This aligns with Tabayer’s philosophy of creating pieces that hold value beyond aesthetics.
What else can I share or include that you don’t see mentioned enough about your brand, mission, or message?
Tabayer’s mission goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about empowerment, protection, and inclusivity. Our designs are created to be universally meaningful and created to be worn by people from diverse cultures. Our pieces stand as symbols of inner strength and autonomy. We support causes that resonate with our ethos, such as our long-standing partnership with Every Mother Counts, a charity that supports mothers in the United States and beyond.
We also feel there’s power in the community, and the conversations around these issues. We try and help amplify the messages of these causes and bring attention to these issues. We hope to inspire others, showing that sustainability in jewelry is attainable and that by supporting one another, we can drive positive change in the world. Our journey is about celebrating women, fostering dialogue, and creating a legacy of empowerment.
Top: As part of her sustainability efforts, Tabayer’s Nigora Tokhtabayeva partnered with The Period Company and the Period Abundance Foundation to support destigmatizing periods and supporting people with period products. (Photos courtesy of Tabayer)
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