How Cherish Was Born
My husband and I had been caught up in the Asian Tsunami in 2004. Spending some time as a refugee with no control over your situation gives you plenty of time to reflect. I had been a non-stop businesswoman focused on awards and addicted to success. Sitting in the burning sun, in the same clothes I had worn for a week, my life back in Old Blighty seemed so insignificant.
Amid emotions of devastation, loss & sorrow came a renewed appreciation for life, loved ones and my Mum in law’s roast potatoes.
With these new eyes I saw the wonders of the world’s beauty all the more clearly and confirmed that the most amazing things that I have ever seen have been natural.
Back home and on the road to recovery I was strongly advised to back off my business activity and to take up something more therapeutic. I wanted to make jewellery that was really meaningful, to show appreciation to those we care for with something unique to them.
Cherish was born: meaningful jewellery made for those you cherish, to always cherish.
I found that I was drawn towards all things organic and natural and my jewellery became centred around gems in their purest form. Sourcing from all over the world I found pearls in all shapes and sizes, raw gem stones like rough uncut aquamarines, amethysts, quartz, moonstones and more.
For me, you can keep your facetted and polished gems, what could be more special than the way nature intended. Pearls are very special, too, the only organic gem in the world each one taking seven years of nurture to produce.
By cutting out all the middle men I was able to support small business in third world countries and by using gems in their natural form I would by-pass the greed and subsequent conflict surrounding precious gems.
The Future
My dream is to form a small business in a disadvantaged area within a third world country, producing products for Cherish and encouraging self sufficiency. This dream is being realised. Watch this space….
Michelle x
