if books could sparkle (hand delivery, Olivia Bond Diamonds)
slow growth, longevity in industry and heirloom jewellery
Please note that the following quotes may be paraphrased to various degrees, as best as my memory can remember. Writing on this occasion was not something I planned; it was only upon reflection on meeting Olivia that I wished to write about it.
Olivia Bond has had clients from ten years back whom she’s seen through their various milestones. I can only imagine the beautiful bespoke pieces she’s designed for weddings, birthdays and special occasions. Her eyes twinkled as she recounted this and branched into the notion of ‘planting the seeds and letting them grow’.
It was evident to me that Olivia cares more for the quality of what she does more than anything else. When sharing with her how much I adore the Puffy Heart I purchased from her and its careful, rosy cheeked dimensions, she smiled and let on that her intention when designing the heart was to create ‘the perfect heart’. I have no doubt in my mind that this is something that she has achieved.
Olivia told me the backstory behind her design for the piece; it was inspired by a heart pendant her mother gave her when she was in her 20s. It was a favourite piece of hers until one day when she was travelling in Europe, she went to place her hand on it only to realise it was no longer there. She mentioned that in some way, creating this pendant was to make up for this lost heirloom piece of hers.
Anyone who owns an OBD Puffy Heart Pendant today will in some way feel bittersweet about this, as from the loss of this sentimental piece was birthed the one we all now cherish around our necks. I treasure mine very much, so much that I felt like I needed to apologise that mine had a few nicks and scratches from jacket zips when I met Olivia. (She let me know that this was very normal for a smooth surfaced piece of gold jewellery and if needed they can always polish it up — which was lovely and reassuring to hear.)
One of my favourite features of the Puffy Heart Pendant is its bale which is the piece that connects the pendant to the chain, and how seamlessly it connects with the heart pendant itself. Looking at it, one might think that its teardrop bale is soldered solid to the pendant, leaving the heart rigid to follow wherever it goes. But surprisingly, it moves, gently and softly, creating graceful movement with each sway.
‘Yes, a bit of movement,’ Olivia replied, revealing to me that this was very much a thought-out feature, showing me how much attention to detail she applies to every single one of her pieces.
When trying on her stunning OBD chain, never at one point did she make me feel as though I had to purchase from her (though I already had purchased a piece months prior). She even gave me some tips on how it might be easiest for me to resize my engagement ring (which my partner purchased from another jeweller).
It felt to me that Olivia’s eyes are on the bigger things; the things which allow her creativity and eye for a jeweller’s knowledge shine. It felt clear that Olivia has an abundant view with which she sees, and this gleams at the forefront of meeting with her, which further puts anyone eyeing any of her pieces at ease.
Somehow, in our conversation, we arrived at the topic of marketing, which was a welcome conversation given I’d just published a book. I mentioned that I valued offline, in-person interactions, so was hoping to participate in more of that.
I had seen Olivia nodding as I spoke, so I asked, ‘Is that what you do?’
‘That’s all I do,’ she said.
Those four words rang clear and true, resonating within me many echoes over.
‘I’m not interested in viral growth. Not interested in “fast success”.’
In a world where instant success is sometimes expected of a person or brand in order for whatever they have to offer to be credible and established, hearing this from Olivia was encouraging. There requires a kind of internal validation, patience and tact to be able to have this at the forefront of your values when growing a business.
Olivia went on to say she was here for something quality, with longevity. She focuses on meaningful one-to-one interactions, focusing on each person’s individual desires, allowing their own relationship with jewellery and the celebration or situation for which it’s representing lead the meeting.
Olivia and her brand, to me, embrace internal validation of the highest clarity. Something more private that she mentioned gave me the impression that this is a woman who is sure of herself, but with kindness and no sense of arrogance in sight, who sees another for being another, and who values things that matter over time. This, of course, is reflected in her heirloom status jewellery with glittery diamonds and other precious stones.
With values that shine just as much as the colourful stones and diamonds in her navy cabinets, there is no doubt that Olivia and her brand are tasteful, timeless, and aspirational for many people.
When it comes to navigating life, some might lead loudly by spreading talks and quotes that speak of greatness; but in my experience, some of the most inspiring people lead softly and gently by simply doing work that they enjoy.
Sometimes life is peppered with people doing things that you find exceedingly more inspiring and influential, and in tones and values that even the loudest may struggle to achieve, let alone with the same grace and elegance that someone like Olivia and her brand have.
If books could sparkle, then between the kind and genuine person holding it and the glistening jewels lacing her fingers and adorning the room, The Manifestation Diaries very nearly did.
