Sacred Meaning

Each piece holds the intention to impart spiritual empowerment upon its wearer with an accompanied poem, prayer or short narrative. The belief is that every woman has a story, and the jewelry may serve as a vehicle to share these powerful anecdotes one narrative at a time. 

The following messages are creative concepts conceived by the designer, Juel Grange and told from her perspective. 

Tiye Cuff- Triangular Cuff with Turquoise Stones

Inspiration: I have a friend from college named Tiye who is a phenomenal writer. She also holds a very special place in my heart as she supported me during a difficult hour in my life. In her first published literary work entitled “A Dream Inferred,” she writes, “You may have to sacrifice a few pleasures in order to be in a working environment that not only supports your truth, but allows you the time and energy to continue building your own pyramids.”

This statement resonates so much as I am fully aware of the weight and pressures associated with survival, while carrying a dream in my back pocket. The shape of this piece is similar to that of pyramids and for me serves as a reminder to never abandon dreams in spite of what life’s current climate permits. Another dimension of meaning in this cuff stems from the universal elevator symbol which is two triangles, one facing upwards, the other downward. This speaks to the inevitable ups and downs of life, which I have surely had my fair share of.

In my experiences, moments of pain were necessary in order to condition me for the better. The three points of a triangle also honor my Christian faith as the number three is important within this religion to represent the holy trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Sprit as one. One of my favorite scriptures which I hold close to heart during difficult times is, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood that test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

Anacoana Cuff- Gold flower petal cuff

Inspiration: Creation of this piece is intended to pay homage to the life of Anacaona, a Taino (American Indian) Queen whose name means Golden Flower. She was born in 1474 and ruled a region within present day Haiti. She was a Cacica (female indigenous leader), warrior and master carver who created many beautiful objects for her tribe including amulets, thrones and sculptures. Her walk inspires me as a woman as it exemplifies strength and a necessary commitment to serving people. She is legendary for refusing sexual propositions extended by Spanish conquerors and was eventually executed by hanging. She stood up for her rights as a woman and honored herself until the end. 

Caged Bird- Golden caged cuff

Like Miss Maya, I know why the caged bird sings. 

She sings but society strives to silence her sound. 

Sweet melodies to medicate her suffering. 

Her tunes possess power, transforming tribulations to triumphant tones. 

Though the world tries to render her voiceless, her vocals validate volumes of victory. 

No one is listening, but heaven hears her humming; hitting high notes that help her heal, bringing harmony to her Father's ears.

-Juel Grange

Love is Rich- Golden swirl lapis pendant

Royal romance ordained by the original officiator. 

His water offered her holy hydration, causing her to blossom into boundless bountiful fields of flowering beauty. 

God is the gardener, His Spirit is her feed, until she's full of faith; fearlessness overflowing forming fortitude before men mystifying their minds. 

Then the Son of Man showers living water upon the soul of her secret garden, surging esteem, satisfying the seeds, superseding her needs. 

Seasons change, some remain, others prune from pointlessness. Then the Most High hails upon earth to honor her harvest and the world suddenly stops and exalts her. 

-Juel Grange

Female Fortress- Fence neck crown

A woman's body will always be the greatest work of art our world will ever know. Curated by the Ultimate Creator, her mold is a Masterpiece to marvel. 

But there are rules an observer must oblige. 

Do not touch without invitation. 

You may not curse it as a means to contain its power, or demean to mere sexual property only existing to gratify patriarchal perversion. 

Her body is not an object or commodity. It should not be bought or sold, then enslaved to serve fantasies she considers nightmares. 

There is no currency or amount that would ever cover the cost of her worth. 

So it is futile to fence the female form; a manifestation of a universe which knows no bounds. She is a replication of Mother Nature. Life supplier and sustainer. 

Reducing her to ruins renders a ream of ramifications. 

Her suffering is your suicide, as you murder the very vessel of life itself.

-Juel Grange

Trail of Tears- Hammered agate bangles

Heavenly Father, may the tears I cry from the pain I endure plunge into a pool of purpose. 

Allow the Holy Spirit to be my undercurrent, causing streams of sadness from struggle to seep into a sea of success. 

Demolish the dams of my soul, so you may drench the seeds of my destiny. 

Navigate my Nile, as you nurture me to one day nourish nations. 

Release an overflow of faith, causing my fortitude to flourish. 

Purge me entirely, so I may fulfill my promise to prosper your planet. 

Let your river of righteousness run right through me, creating a channel for your children. Cleansing their consciousness, unleashing their everlasting spiritual springs. 

-Juel Grange