For Natasha, motherhood is made up of seasons – ever-changing, sometimes challenging, and filled with fleeting moments worth holding onto. Her Monte and Valle rings, each set with the birthstone of one of her two sons, are a reflection of that journey: two individual pieces that, like her children, are different by nature yet belong together.
Inspired by her own mother, who wore two gold bands bearing the names and birth dates of her daughters, Natasha's rings create a beautiful thread between generations. These are pieces that carry her sons close today, with the hope that one day they will be beautiful heirlooms to carry forward.
What does motherhood mean to you? How has this chapter of life shaped you, both as a person and in the way you see the world?
Motherhood is a compilation of seasons: some last longer than others, it’s ever changing and never static. Just because it feels hard now doesn’t mean it will be hard in the next few days, weeks or months. But it definitely feels easier the second time round. I know the sleepless nights are not forever, a tantrum will end and the cuddles are always sweet.
Becoming a mum completely altered my world mostly for the better. I can not remember life without my heart running around outside of my body anymore
Is there a particular moment, memory or lesson from motherhood that you find yourself carrying with you every day?
To enjoy the good parts. Embrace the cuddles and the sweet moments.
Your pieces feature the birthstones of your two sons. What does carrying a part of them with you every day mean to you?
It means the world to me, being able to look down at my hands and be reminded of my children. Also helps me remember who is birth in which month and makes remembering birth dates easier. The rings also remind me of my own mum (she was the inspiration behind them originally) as she had two good bands with my sister and I’s name and date of birth. I love that my rings link everyone together.
What was it about the Monte and Valle designs that spoke to you? Was there something in their form, symbolism or sentiment that made them feel like the perfect choice?
I love that each ring is different, like my kids, but they belong together. I often tell my toddler that we are a team, stronger together than apart and I feel like the rings reflect that too. Plus the sparkle from the stones are lovely!
What do your finished pieces represent to you today, how do you hope their meaning will evolve as your sons grow, and what do you hope they will one day understand about the story these pieces carry?
I hope my sons grow up with strong memories of me wearing the rings and when they eventually receive them (hopefully after many many decades of wear!) they treasure them and think of me.