Matilda goes to The White House!
By Melanie BardetLet's call her Ms. X. One fateful evening in February, I stumbled into Ms. X and, in a moment of spontaneous brilliance, decided to strike up a conversation. As we chatted, I dropped the name of someone in the industry and, lo and behold, we discovered a mutual friend! We exchanged contact info. That very night, I rushed home, crafted a perfectly worded email, and sent it on its way (didn’t even schedule it for the next morning). Then... crickets. Not a peep from Ms. X from The White House.
Fast forward to the end of April. Amidst the chaos of planning our move from DC back home to Miami and trying to keep our sanity intact, my inbox pinged. It was an invitation to create a custom piece for none other than the First Lady of Kenya! The catch? It was due the exact same week as our big move. Because who doesn't love a good challenge, right?
I’d heard about other jewelry designers being invited repeatedly to craft custom pieces for the White House, especially for those glittering state visits. But this invitation was special. It had been since 2008 that an African leader graced the White House, and it marked the 60th anniversary of US-Kenyan diplomatic relations. My mind instantly buzzed with two thoughts: what kind of jewelry does First Lady Rachel Ruto adore, and DIAMONDS!
Anniversaries like the 60th and 70th usually come with some sparkly diamond gifts. Check out her outfits below. I'm obsessed with the one on the top left! Rachel Ruto is all about brooches and earrings, allowing her dresses to make the statement. Rings, however, are a no-go for the White House—apparently, they're considered too personal and tricky with sizing.
The request was anything with citrine, gold, and perhaps a diamond or Tsavorite. Symbolism was key to the assignment.
Here are a couple of my initial concept sketches – I really wanted a brooch for her with a diamond center, nestled in organic ridges that represent the enduring friendship and shared aspirations between the United States and Kenya.
The radiant citrine gemstones dancing along the brooch represent our diplomatic ties infused with warmth, optimism, and a shared commitment to progress. The sparkling diamond, representing strength and resilience, and our ability to overcome challenges and forge ahead together.
Then it was onto the next challenge, how to move back home, and make it back to DC in time for the arrival ceremony! Luckily, we managed it with less than 24hrs in between it all.
Signing off yours,
Mélanie