CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
TrendsMar 20, 2019
Foundrae, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Created This Medallion
The 18-karat gold piece celebrates the author who wrote “Americanah” and the freedom of writers worldwide, with proceeds going to Pen America.
Foundrae designer Beth Bugdaycay created the “Freedom of Expression” medallion with the input of award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and will donate 100 percent of retail profits to Pen America. A nonprofit that protects the lives and works of writers, Pen America is the largest of the 100 centers worldwide that make up the Pen International network.
New York—In her jewelry store that doubles as a lending library on Manhattan’s Lispenard Street, Foundrae founder Beth Bugdaycay recently packed the house so people could hear from her latest medallion muse—award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
A native of Nigeria who now divides her time between her home country and the United States, Adichie is the author of six books, including “Half of a Yellow Sun,” which won the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction in 2007, and “Americanah,” which won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction.
In 2009 Adichie gave a TED Talk that remains one of the organization’s most-viewed, called “The Danger of a Single Story.” In 2012, she delivered a subsequent TED Talk titled “We Should All Be Feminists,” which she adapted into a book by the same name.
Bugdaycay created the “Freedom of Expression” charm in honor of the writer, combining her belief that jewelry should be a tool of expression—in this case, expressing a belief in supporting freedom of speech—with her love of literature that is wholly evident at her store.
Bookshelves surround the sales floor at Foundrae, stacked and lined with works on jewelry, both old and new, alongside classics such as Jane Austen’s “Emma” and books from modern-day authors like Louise Erdrich. Customers are allowed to borrow from the in-store library and are welcome to donate to it too.
When the Freedom of Expression medallion starts selling in the store and at Foundrae retail partners in May, 100 percent of the retail profits will go to Pen America, a nonprofit comprised of professional writers—novelists, journalists, editors, poets, playwrights, etc.—as well as readers and other supporters who work to protect freedom of expression worldwide, standing up on behalf of writers who are censored, threatened or jailed.
Adichie is a long-standing member of PEN alongside authors such as Barbara Kingsolver, Toni Morrison, and Salman Rushdie.
“I am kind of jet-lagged because I’m still on Lagos time, so if at some point I start to slur my speech it’s not because I’ve had too much [to drink],” Adichie confessed as she took the floor at the March 12 event, drawing laughter from the crowd. “But I do want to say that Pen does such exceptional work so for me to be here supporting Pen, it was an easy thing. I didn’t have to think about it.
“I think it’s
easy for all of us to say we care about freedom of speech until it gets difficult, and then it gets difficult. But Pen doesn’t stand down.”
The author said from time to time, she finds herself joking—"sometimes not joking, but mostly joking”—about being imprisoned by the Nigerian government, and said she knows if this were to happen, “Pen would be there for me.”
While Adichie credits Bugdaycay for creating the “gorgeous” piece, the author did select the four symbols that appear on the Freedom of Expression medallion; here is why she chose what she chose.
The garnet-set triangle at the top and the yellow topaz at the bottom are meant to represent fire, “to symbolize that which can embolden and energize, but can also consume,” she said, while the infinity symbol honors “the endlessness of those things we hold dear: Freedom, the dignity of every human heart.”
The arrow, meanwhile, represents forward motion, stressing that “the journey of progress is unfinished,” while the arrows crossing in the center remind people to live passionately, as our time on earth is short.
Foundrae is making only 40 of the 18-karat yellow gold Freedom of Expression medallions, which it will sell beginning May 1 at its store in Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood as well as through retail partners worldwide.
Retailers that carry Foundrae include Ylang 23 in Dallas; Juicy Lucy in Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and Tayloe Piggott Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming.
The medal retails for $3,950, with 100 percent of the retail profits going to Pen America, with the goal of raising $120,000 for the organization.
More on Trends
The Latest
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly YochThe Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at SeaThe 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
