SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

1 4 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I W hen Mads Kornerup strung together gold beads with a braided nylon thread for the first time in 2001, he was inspired by Buddhist prayer beads. Little did he know that it would mark the birth of an iconic style - the Shamballa Bracelet. Never before had fine jewellery been presented with such refined casualness or offered such a high level of customisation. Following the success of the design, Mads and Mikkel Kornerup established Shamballa Jewels in 2005, in Copenhagen, Denmark. The brothers continue to create jewellery fuelled by tradition and innovation. The ‘Shamballa’ of legend was a mythical kingdom hidden in a valley in the Himalayas. A harmonious place populated by enlightened and compassionate people, the Kingdom of Shamballa when translated from Sanskrit means ‘a place of peace and tranquillity’. Evocative of spiritual icons, symbols, and prayer beads used since the dawn of time, Shamballa jewellery encourages the wearer to find their inner ‘Shamballa’ of peace and tranquillity and be reminded of the possibility of connecting to our inner compassion and wisdom. A distinct presentation of pavé beads and macramé braiding in harmonious balance is now synonymous with Shamballa Jewels’ signature style. Reminiscent of places near and far, of spiritual stories ancient and new, the jewellery is designed to trigger curiosity and inspire conversation. The Star of Shamballa The thunderbolt is a symbol for irresistible force across many ancient cultures. The Star of Shamballa - two intercrossed thunderbolts - represents the irresistible force created when creativity springs in a pure, conscious mind. This creative force is found in everyone. To that end, most Shamballa jewellery is customisable, so that the wearer is invited to take part in the creative process, and each design is a meaningful personal expression. Shamballa Jewels’ repertoire includes bracelets, necklaces, cufflinks, earrings and rings which are set, braided and polished by hand in Copenhagen. Star rapper Jay Z was the first to custom-order a Shamballa Bracelet. Today, Karl Lagerfeld, HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, HRH Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway, Carine Roitfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diane Von Furstenberg and Giorgio Armani are amongst the discerning collectors of Shamballa jewellery. Mads and Mikkel Kornerup believe that, just like stars, humans can emanate heat and light – that each person is a star. The Star of Shamballa present in their designs is a constant reminder of that.