Twenty-three years in business. It's hard to put into words what that means, especially after a year that tested every small business we know. But here we are, still here, and the reason is simple — you. Our ohana of customers kept us going through everything. Your creative energy, your friendship, your loyalty. That's not something we take for granted.
To commemorate year twenty-three, we wanted to create something that meant more than just a bracelet. Jason and I designed a piece around a clay bead that carries the impression of Buddha's face. The bead is coated in gold leafing — and that gold is intentionally impermanent. It rubs off slowly with wear, revealing the raw clay beneath.
The gold doesn't last. That's the point. It's a reminder that nothing stays the same, that beauty is in the changing, and that we're here right now to live as fully as we can.
There's a concept in Japanese aesthetics called wabi-sabi — finding beauty in imperfection and transience. That's what this bracelet is about. The more you wear it, the more it changes. The gold leaf that remains in the deeper impressions of the Buddha face creates a patina that's uniquely yours. No two bracelets will age the same way.
We released this as a limited edition bracelet kit for our anniversary. If you'd like to see if we still have any, check here or come by the store and ask.
From Jamie, Jason, Michelle, and the rest of The Bead Gallery family — thank you for twenty-three years. We look forward to many more.