PROTECTED BY BEAUTY: SCAPULARS BY MARIE LICHTENBERG
El único talismán verdadero es el corazón humano, y vale más que todo el oro y las piedras preciosas del mundo. (The only true talisman is the human heart, and that's worth more than all the gold and precious stones in the world.)
Isabel Allende, Zorro
Every time I talk to Marie Lichtenberg, it feels like I’m sitting under the warm summer sun, basking in its soft, dazzling rays. The last time we chatted about her jewelry and new projects, just a few weeks ago, this sensation became even stronger.
Marie brings into her creations all her heart, spirit and soul. She does not think in material terms. Rising above mundanity, she follows her intuition in search for connection with the worlds of beauty, freedom, love, creative euphoria and a much longed for peace of mind, spirituality and her innermost self.
Jewelry styles are born amidst hundreds of different socioeconomic, cultural and political situations, artistic, architectural and design trends. In the case of Marie Lichtenberg, her creations are the symbol, code and key to personal complexity and understanding yourself, an amulet of love and happiness, which she affectionately presents to her loyal audience.
Today, she collaborates with some of the world's top ateliers to craft her meticulously designed lockets, scapulars, earrings, rings, chains and pendants, using experts in intricate hand-enameling, guilloché, and ciselure. A team of skilled diamond cutters, polishers and stone-setters work alongside master artisans to create her signature gold coco finish.
I think we all need a piece of jewelry that will make us feel protected or lucky or anything we need to make us feel good. I don’t consider myself superstitious, but yet I feel better wearing my ‘watchful eye clasp’ and my love lock.
Marie Lichtenberg in a an interview to Forbes
When we think of scapulars, we usually picture a small necklace made of two wool patches. However, scapulars originated from monastic orders as work aprons, which later evolved into a monastic garment worn by specific religious orders.
The term "scapular" comes from the Latin word "scapulae," meaning shoulders, as the garment was worn over the shoulders. Since the 16th century, scapulars have been associated with indulgences – remissions of the temporal punishment due to sin. The wearing of a scapular was believed to grant the wearer spiritual benefits and protection from harm.
A symbol of protection and comfort, Marie Lichtenberg's talismanic scapulars are for people of all faiths and backgrounds, carrying whatever meaning the wearer infuses in them.
I wanted to de-standardize jewelry so that you don't find it everywhere – to take something familiar and create something new with it, something different yet with soul and not trend-driven or fashionable.
Marie Lichtenberg in an interview with Forbes
Looking as much like curious pieces from an antique shop as ultramodern lucky charms, her vibrant, candy-like scapulars feature eyes, magic mushrooms, faraway planets, hearts, rainbows, and aliens.
Playful, joyful, ironic, warm-hearted, funny, lyrical, romantic and magical, full of deep meaning and incredible lightness of being, they can be worn as stand-alone, statement, amuletic pieces, or stacked together with Marie's lockets or with your other favourite chains, pendants and necklaces.
Marie Lichtenberg's creations will become part of your heirloom, to be passed from generation to generation, with the special warmth, wishes and hope for that one-and-only person – child or grandchild, friend or partner – in your life. Just like the first forçat chain, passed to Marie by her mother, and which inspired Marie to become who she is now: an exceptional designer and artist, with a wonderful personality, radiating warmth, freedom and light.
Crossing my fingers that rainbows and clear blue skies keep showing her the way forward!
