Maya's Bracelet

Maya's mom is my very dear friend.  When I was working on Shimmer & Shine back in 2017,  she would send photos or videos of little Maya dressed up as one of the genies.  So cute.  It was Maya's favorite show back then.  On occasion, I'd send Shimmer & Shine swag with a little note from "the genies".  I even got the actress who played Shimmer (or was it Shine?) to record a special voice message for her.

When I heard Maya was becoming a bat mitzvah, I couldn't believe it.  Poof!  She grew up.  I couldn't attend the event, but wanted to get her something special.   This is where Chloe Kono comes in.

I met Chloe at a group art show last year.  She had an assortment of whimsical jewelry made from precious metals and gems.  I found her to be a kindred spirit, and we became fast friends.  I'd been wanting to create something with her.  Maya's bat mitzvah is where these two paths would meet.  

My initial design

I wanted to have a bracelet made that evoked a Shimmer & Shine sentimentality.  Borrowing elements of the genies' wrist wear, I designed a piece for a young adult - adding the words "Boom! Zahramay!" from the incantation used to grant wishes in every episode.   

Chloe's revised design

I sent a sketch to Chloe, then we talked about it.  She ran through some practical considerations, like the price of metals and gems (silver - yikes!).  She offered some of her own ideas for the design, then sent a sketch with Chloe touches that I loved.  Off she went! 

Work-in-progress.  Alexandrite on the right.

A couple weeks later, she sent a photo of the work-in-progress to get a final decision on gemstones.  While I originally thought of blue topaz, the bright blue seemed too kiddie for to me.  Chloe sold me on the magical quality of alexandrite - how it changes color in different light.  She felt it fit thematically as well as aesthetically.   Alexandrite it is!

Ta da!

She delivered the finished piece in a little, string-wrapped jewelry box, placed in a small bag, with a note for Maya.  Super special.  

I heard that Maya loves it (though I think her mom loves it more)! 

And for me, the satisfaction of having an idea and seeing its fruition with friends  - you can't beat that.

Check out Chloe's website.  Lots of great pieces for sale!  https://www.chloeography.com

-Steve