The journey from childbirth to motherhood - smooth for some, painful for others - is special. A Chennai-based artist is doing her bit to preserve the bond between a mother and her child by turning breast milk into jewellery and keepsakes.
Preethy Vijay, 30, stumbled upon this creative niche when she came across a query for breast milk jewellery on Facebook. She mastered the art of preserving breast milk and pairing it with the right metals by trial-and-error, and help from friends. “There are quite a few techniques that are available online but they don’t work. Milk is perishable and the colour of the jewellery can change. You can only see the exact result after a month or more of making the piece,” Preethy tells The News Minute.
Mother of a six-year-old, Preethy set up a Facebook page where interested mothers can drop her a message or an e-mail, after which she reverts with instructions to transport the breast milk in zip lock bags.
Even though her art is unusual, Preethy receives up to 12 orders a week to make pendants, earrings and rings. Depending on the design and metal (artificial or sterling) Preethy’s products range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000.
{{/usCountry}}Even though her art is unusual, Preethy receives up to 12 orders a week to make pendants, earrings and rings. Depending on the design and metal (artificial or sterling) Preethy’s products range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000.
{{/usCountry}}This is not Preethy’s first business venture. She has two other Facebook pages that deal in customised birthday goodies and clay artifacts.
After mastering the art of preserving breast milk, Preethy diversified her offerings, making jewellery using umbilical cords, baby’s hair and teeth.
Faced with a barrage of queries, Preethy has made a list of frequently asked questions on her Facebook page.
Here are some of Preethy’s works: