The story behind the Sungkey multiway necklace and bracelet

My travels around the world are the main source of inspiration behind my jewellery collections here at Narratorium. There’s nothing I love more than learning about different cultures and their ancient wisdom. The symbols and stories that have been passed down for generations, and the cultural traditions and rituals that have shaped their identities. I find it all fascinating.

My Sungkey necklace/bracelet which symbolises protection, is inspired by an interesting Tibetan Buddhist ritual which I cam across when in Bhutan, so I thought I’d share a little more about the personal story behind this piece.

The Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang

It was in 2013 that my husband and I took the adventure of a life time and travelled to Bhutan. Known as the worlds happiest nation and the Land of The Thunder Dragon because of the sound the thunder storms make as they travel down the Himalayan valleys.

We traveled the length of the country with a tour guide (the only way to do this in Bhutan) which meant we were able to get really close to their wonderful culture and enjoy the most magical experiences, including a marriage blessing at one of the most magical cliff side temples I've ever been to, Tigers Nest or Paro Taktsang (shown above).

It was there that me and my husband were able to experience a marriage blessing from one of the Buddhist monks. In the blessing we were both given scarfs known as Khata which were given as a blessing of peace as well as a simple knotted cord (a Sungkey in Bhutanese) which was also blessed by the monk and offered as a symbol of protection.

It was this simple knotted cord that could be worn around the neck or wrist that inspired me to create my Sungkey multiway necklace which features two gold beads (symbolic of the double knot) on a silver chain, which are positioned in such a way that they sit asymmetrically on the necklace, and central when worn as a bracelet.

Sungkey as a bracelet

Sungkey worn as a necklace

I loved the idea that a simple cord with a knot symbolised protection, and designed my Sungkey and version of this concept with the idea that it might be given or worn with the same meaning in mind.

It really is a beautiful, versatile and completely unique piece, that looks great worn either way.

Emma x