The Story of Cleopatra
Ever since I was a boy, I have loved classical mythology. I fell in love with the Greek versions of the myths, and was thirsty to learn their origins. The more I looked into the pre-Hellenic world the clearer the matriarchal lineage became.
Mythology survives with us as fictional stories, but there is one real life leader that inspired her own rich mythology: Cleopatra.
A female leader like Cleopatra seems exceptional today, but I like to imagine a time when a great leader like Cleopatra was not an exception, but the rule.
My wife Sarah introduced me to the eye symbol, and even though it has had many meanings over the centuries, I like to believe the eye represents the strength of female leadership.
Sarah was a natural leader, and there was no place that it was more clear than as a mother. Under her patient and ever-watchful eye, she was able to see clearly, to empathize, and to protect her loved ones.
As a mother and as a leader, I believe these characteristics are a requirement for visionary leadership and that Cleopatra also led with these strengths. Like Sarah and Cleopatra, I hope my ring reminds you of how great a leader you can be too.
My Favorite Parts of this Ring
Eyes have been reproduced in jewelry since before the ancient Egyptians, and it was very important for me to make my version unique. It wasn’t enough for me to interpret my Bonbon as an eye, I needed to push the design even more.
Most contemporary eye designs are a set of concentric circles, but as many of you know, that was just too simple for me. Instead, I chose to celebrate the almond shape of the eye, so that it reminds me of the beautiful eyes my wife and daughter are famous for. And as a nod to the elegance and femininity of Cleopatra, I include eyelashes in the manner of the Eye of Horus, so prevalent and important in Egyptian iconography.
You might think I am completely irreverent for turning each of the stones upside down and reverse-setting them for this design, but in the process, I was forced to create a new geometry to support the unfamiliar reflections of these typically hidden facets, which I believe led me to a complete design that feels perfectly classical.
I must confess, I am in love with my Bonbon design. Small enough for every day, but significant enough to have recognizable power, every time I hold a Bonbon in my hand, I feel its magic, and I can’t help but smile.
I chose to name this collection after my favorite chocolate confection, the bonbon, because I believe there is a special magic in exploring a box of exquisite chocolates. With each piece, there is the potential to find yourself in its unique flavor and reveal a special joy. My hope is that I can create Bonbons as diverse as your strengths, and that your Bonbon captures a little magic for you.