Embrace Life In Ibiza With Buddha To Buddha

Since its establishment in 1997, the Dutch jewellery brand Buddha to Buddha stands for timeless silver jewellery, which is all handmade in Bali by the finest craftsmen in the world. The brand has 20 so-called chain families consisting of bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings. Also available in Ibiza at different premium locations such as Coco beach and the Ibiza Gran Hotel. Recently Buddha to Buddha presented four Limited Edition bracelets at our Island to a selected group of journalists and online influencers.

We had the chance to catch up with Global Marketing Director Glenn Balak and Head of Design Lotte van Tongeren in between their various events on the island on a gorgeous September afternoon in Es Cubells beach. They showed us the various steps that go into making the limited bracelets and shared some of the Buddha to Buddha secrets to making such exceptional jewellery.

Can you tell us Buddha to Buddha’s story and what it stands for?
Glenn: It all began in 1997 (almost 20 years ago) when the first bracelet was launched. Ever since its establishment, the Dutch jewellery brand Buddha to Buddha stands for timeless silver jewellery, which is all handmade in Bali by the finest craftsmen in the world. But Buddha to Buddha stands for more than just jewellery. It’s a lifestyle that embraces life with all its contradictions. No concessions. No compromises. 100% passion and pride. Craftsmanship, creativity, passion and quality. Quality is number one. No matter what. One of our key aspects is that we embrace life in every aspect. To embrace life means two words: contemplation and celebration. We don’t tell you how to contemplate and this is the way to celebrate. No, that is your own decision. It could be yoga or meditation or maybe sailing or swimming. And when it comes to celebration, there’s a big celebration part here on the island. Those are the reasons why we launched the Limited’s here in Ibiza. It’s the perfect combination.

Is that what the name stands for?
Glenn: Buddha to Buddha actually stands for the conversation from one Buddha to the other Buddha. A dialogue, a connection. The interesting thing is that the first bracelet we designed has everything to do with connection because the chains are in a very unique way linked to each other. This is also the base of every Buddha to Buddha concept and that’s why all of our jewellery are recognisable. It is about connection and all of our bracelets are connected via the different kind of chains.

What makes Buddha to Buddha different from other jewellery brands?
Lotte: At Buddha to Buddha, everything is premium quality. We work with the finest silversmiths in the world and they make every single piece with 925 sterling silver. This means it’s not plated but it’s solid. After almost 20 years, we still work this way. We didn’t change to machine-made. We think that handmade is the most beautiful way to make products.

Tell us something more about the Limited Edition collection?
Lotte: It involves special versions of two iconic Buddha to Buddha bracelets inlaid with the natural and pure materials onyx (stone) and bone. There are only 150 numbered pieces per bracelet and available in selected stores in Europe. The Limited’s, called Ben Strength and Soul and Esther Strength and Soul are equipped with a special lock inlaid with onyx (which stands for Inner Strength) or bone (which stands for Inner Soul). The contrast of silver with the black and white inlay creates a timeless and iconic look. I’ve chosen for two concepts in this limited collection which are very interesting to play with: the iconic chains of our Ben and Esther family and the ID plate concept which gives the bracelet a modern twist and that premium look what Buddha to Buddha stands for. In total 10 of the finest silversmiths are working on one Limited bracelet and it takes about five days to make one. Pure craftsmanship with lots of fine details and quality of materials and techniques. Each unique bracelet comes in a beautiful gift box with a credit card holder and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

How do you come up with new collections?
Lotte: I always start by finding inspiration. So I start with research in cities, magazines, on the internet, at antique fairs and so on. I write words, think of the direction of our brand while I talk with people to get their vision on jewellery in general. After that I start to sketch, followed by a lot of internal meetings where I present my first designs. When everybody agrees, I start with making a 3D model with our 3D cut designer and if the design is possible in 3D, we start with the development of the collection step-by-step. The entire process takes about six months.

Can you tell us about the evolution of the Buddha to Buddha collections?
Glenn: It’s iconic, it’s timeless and we create icons and building out the iconic families. We don’t feel the need to launch a new collection every six months but rather a refreshment, so many items are always in stock.

We know that you are very involved with the dance scene. What is this affinity about?
Glenn: One of our shareholders always had and still has a deep connection with the dance scene. Today pretty much everyone is somehow connected to Buddha to Buddha. Whether it’s Armin van Buuren, whether it’s Hardwell or Sander van Doorn – they all have a deep connection with the brand and our products. That’s also the reason why we have a connection with Ibiza. Contemplation and celebration is what Buddha to Buddha stands for and that’s Ibiza, the perfect link.

How do you choose your points of sale?
Glenn: We’re premium so we try to find a location where a premium audience would be interested in the product. Here in Ibiza you can find our collections at five selling points, namely: True Style, Km 5, Coco Beach, Ibiza Gran Hotel and we have a store at the airport. The Limited Editions are here in Ibiza only available at our store at the airport. They come in two different sizes (E = 19cm and F = 21cm). The Ben Limited is available from €399 – and the Esther Limited is available from €625.

What are your bestsellers?
Lotte: We have the so called Big 5, what stands for our bestselling iconic families for over 12 years now. These are the Chain, Esther, Ben, Nathalie and Edwin. It’s so fascinating that it’s really a timeless concept.

Glenn: If you think about all those premium brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and such, they all have classics that will last forever. And of course every now and then there will be adjustments or modern twists. That’s what we’re in for as well.

What are the different types of jewellery that you carry?
Lotte: We have bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces, leather bracelets and leather-silver combination bracelets. Of course the leather bracelets always have the iconic silver Buddha to Buddha lock. We have different kind of necklaces with individual pendants. We introduced them last year and can be blended into your own identity.

What made you decide to go for unisex jewellery?
Glenn: It’s a modern approach. Whether you’re a girl or a guy whatever doesn’t matter. At the end you like a product or not and wear it the way you want. It’s old school if we decide what’s wearable for a girl or a boy.

What’s next?
Glenn: As soon as we have it, we will come back to Ibiza and tell you. So we have a good excuse to come back. For now all the focus is on the Limited Edition, while in November we launch the Fall/Winter collection. We are more than happy to come back and share the story.

More Information:
www.buddhatobuddha.com