The memory of having a baby is one that stays with a mother forever. It's the beginning of a new chapter, a new relationship, and a new life for both her and her child. And naturally, many women want to do something to commemorate this incredible milestone.
And there's no shortage of ways to do this. Some moms choose photoshoots, while others choose to start creating memories even before they give birth with prenatal artwork. And they're all special and heartwarming.
But one clever designer has developed a way to create something that will not only last forever, but it also really celebrates the intense bond between a mother and her child — and not just the emotional one.
Indigo Willow is a jewelry company that actually turns a woman's breast milk into jewelry through a process that solidifies and preserves it, turning it into a pearl-like gem that can be worn as a ring, necklace, or even earrings.
These beautiful "jewels" are a physical reminder of the connection between a mom and her child, as well as a testament to the incredible power and strength of a mother's body.
Check out some of her designs below, and see how breast milk can be just as fashionable as it is nurturing!
Would you ever wear custom jewelry like this? Let us know in the comments below!
Indigo Willow creates jewelry using about two tablespoons of breast milk, supplied by a woman for a custom piece. Once solidified, the milk gems can be placed into a variety of jewelry settings.
You can choose from pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings. Some, like this model, also come with the baby's birthstone for some added color and sparkle.
Or, if you prefer something more understated, you can opt for an elegant drop like this.
If you didn't know better, you'd think this was a pearl or porcelain bead — but never breast milk! So it's subtle enough to wear anywhere.
So how are they made? Well, the process is something of a secret, but the milk is put through a process that both solidifies and preserves it.
That means that nothing about these gems are liquid, and they'll never spoil, change color, or get moldy.
You'll also notice that each piece has a slightly different color and translucency — this is because no two women's breast milks are quite the same. So they're all completely unique.
To get one of these, women will pick out a design, and then ship their own breast milk to Indigo Willow, where it's put into a beautiful setting.
The other great thing about these pieces is that because they last forever, they can even be passed on as a family keepsake.
And since the actual material isn't super-obvious, it can stay a subtle secret, if this kind of thing makes you a bit shy.
The process for solidifying the milk is top-secret, though. There are other companies making similar mementos, but Indigo Willow claims their process is unlike any other — and vastly superior.
According to their site, the process took almost a year to perfect, but now, the milk can be molded into any shape, including the occasional custom design and will last forever.
And in case you were wondering, breast milk, even in liquid form, is totally legal to ship in the mail! It just has to be packaged correctly.
And the designs offer women of all styles and tastes an option, from simple, classic pieces to more elaborate designs like this tree of life pendant.
So there's something for every mom! Other moms even create pieces as gifts for other family members.
You can see more designs on Indigo Willow's website — and they also have non-breast milk options if even the thought of processed milk isn't for you.
But for those who do choose the breast milk route, this unique jewelry serves as a warm reminder of the time they spent nursing their beloved babies.
Would you wear a breast milk pendant? Let us know in the comments, and SHARE this unconventional, but pretty fascinating take on a motherhood memento!
