Eventually joined by her daughter, Dakota, the two travelled the globe, from Thailand to Tucson, and became enamored with all aspects of the art form. Bolstered by Nancy’s years of experience building a family business with her husband, and Dakota’s college studies in business management, since launching Buddha Mama in 2008, the duo have turned their adoration into a thriving business.

While the jewelry is centered around themes of Eastern philosophy and spirituality, it also embodies a rock n’ roll edge and a whimsicality that belies the depth of its inherent meaning. Lotus flowers, smiling Buddhas, mandalas and evil eyes sit in perfect complement with guitar picks, puffy hearts, chunky Cuban chains, suns, moons and stars.

Crafted in rich 22k gold, the brand is infused with vibrant, intricately applied enamel and adorned with exquisite diamonds. Nancy and Dakota are also not shy about incorporating unexpected color combinations and large scale, high quality gemstones. From scintillatingly hued Paraiba Tourmalines to breathtakingly saturated pink spinel to chatoyant moonstones and prismatic Tanzanites, rare and exceptional stones are seamlessly integrated into Buddha Mama’s signature aesthetic.

The meticulous attention to detail applied to pieces of all scales, whether a small pendant, a huggy earring or a giant carved gemstone Ganesh, is illustrative of the reverence Nancy and Dakota have for the craft. Working with same skilled artisans with whom they developed strong bonds and relationships at the start of their career, each piece in their collection is lovingly shepherded through all stages of the design and fabrication process.

From the hand-selection of stones to the most minuscule detail of every link, clasp and hand-wrought frame of gold, all components are treated as a work of art that come together to form a beautiful whole. And though their discernment in craftsmanship is on par with historically relevant maisons, it appeals to contemporary collectors who want to evoke the same easy going style sensibility that Nancy and Dakota both epitomize.

Beloved among retailers, clients, editors and within the COUTURE community, Nancy, Dakota and their office manager (and Dakota’s lifelong friend), Jainabai (Jaye), embody the values that Buddha Mama’s jewelry represents. Generosity remains a core ethos of the brand, with Nancy stating, “To be able to do what we love and give back in the process is the biggest blessing anyone could ask for.”

As a company, they continue to donate to Kristi House, a non-profit center that supports the needs of child victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, and Tibet House, an organization dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture. Within the walls of their bespoke studio, the trio sets an intention for their work every morning, playing music that enhances the vibe they want to convey, and a sense of joy that is ultimately infused into their designs.