Seeds are not rarities. They are not hard to find. So the conventional criteria for valuing things as “precious” would discard the seed. Irthly’s perspective is not to value it on the basis of rarity but on the conceptual significance of the notion of birth, creation, nurturing, and developing of: life; an idea; a relationship; or anything that arises that we cherish. Furthermore, the seed also plays an important role in our environment. Seeds are the building blocks of life. It would be hard to find anything more valuable and precious.As an Irthly signature for this inspiration, the eco-element is featured as the central organ and the “precious” materials serving as its complement. The eco-element is elected due to its opulence in the environment; how it plays a vital role in the eco systems of the world; and/or how it is often taken for granted and undervalued. Most importantly, the eco-element is chosen because it may be used to represent a concept, topic, or sentiment that should be treasured and considered as valuable as the jewelry we wear.
It is important for us to make sure that the featured element is not just an accent that is being held and secured by the conventional jewelry protocol. We do not want the element to be set in a basket setting on a piece of metal jewelry, for example. That would be just too conventional and it would make the element a highlight and not the main component. My passion and incessant drive to design stems from the challenge of making jewelry that has the eco-element as the focal component. Additionally, to raise the craftsmanship bar, all the organic material is fastened into the gold and platinum--There are no glues involved. The highest standards of craftsmanship has been implemented to make the jewelry endure.
The seed itself goes through an extensive refining process. It starts with the whole seed that gets sliced in a certain direction to take advantage of the most amounts of the seed. Then the process of selection starts. Not all seeds are pure white nor are they without any overly cumbersome grains, cracks, or gaps. So, akin to the selection of a diamond, we must search for the seed slice that has the purest of colors and beautiful grains, without too many cracks and holes. The selected seed piece then gets shaped and cut to the specifications of the design. Finally, the shaped seed gets polished to fine shine. The fastening of the seed to the conventionally manufactured metals without any glue is the most challenging of the process.
A combination of old-world hand craftsmanship and high-tech machinery and devices were required to achieve the challenge. Both are interdependent and indispensable for the success of the design.
Every piece of jewelry made is authentic. Each seed has its own grains and colors. For that reason, we place under our logo in the back of every piece a unique serial number.
Our products encompass the finest of materials and feature craftsmanship of the highest order. We have made a commitment to use recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, fair trade gemstones, and fair trade eco-elements.
MADE IN THE USA
The entire process of our jewelry is proudly made in Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. From the world, to the world.
