The most precious bonds are immortalized with the most delicate materials. From breast milk to strands of hair, every detail reflects an emotion.

As time progresses, certain moments are etched in our memories, becoming inextricable elements of our personal histories. The initial stages of motherhood, the profound connection established postpartum, the olfactory memory of a newborn’s scent, the first strands of hair that fall, and the preserved umbilical cord… The most effective method of immortalizing these invaluable moments is through the application of scientific and design principles, potentially from an unorthodox perspective. Yasemin Yerlikaya İpek, the designer behind Nariel, has created a jewelry line that’s so much more than a mere collection; it’s a journey of emotion that carries memories and embodies them. We had the opportunity to interview the brand’s founder and designer on the inspiration behind Nariel, its impactful journey thus far, and the designs that resonate deeply with customers.

Tell us a little about yourself and how the story of Nariel’s birth as a brand came about.
My name is Yasemin Yerlikaya İpek, born in 1987, married and mother of two children. After graduating from Istanbul Technical University Textile Engineering department, I did my master’s degree in Nano Science and Nano Engineering at ITU. After years of scientific studies, becoming a mom really opened a whole new set of doors for me. In 2016, when my son was
born, I wanted to create a lasting memento of the bond between my breast milk and his first strands of hair. I took a corner of my house and made it into a workshop. After about a year and a half of research and development, I figured out a way to turn breast milk into stone. So the first seeds of Nariel were laid. I first started making these designs for myself, and then they caught on with everyone around me. Before I knew it, they had turned into a brand.

It’s a pretty original concept, turning breast milk into jewelry. And what was this process like for you?
Breast milk is considered by many to be one of the most precious aspects of the journey of motherhood. Breastfeeding is a profound experience, both physically and emotionally. In a similar manner, elements such as the first hair or the umbilical cord are believed to signify precious memories that are unique and irreplaceable. It’s exciting for me to work on these pieces and turn them into something that people can hold in their hands for years. Each piece is more than just a pretty accessory; it’s a symbol of the deep feelings tied to motherhood and family.

Building a brand from scratch is a process full of challenges. What obstacles did you face on this path?

This trust was achieved only through personal relationships and by customers spreading their appreciation by word of mouth. On top of that, protecting my intellectual and industrial rights and defending the rights of my labor is a serious struggle. I made a lot of decisions and learned a lot on my own, especially in stuff like material procurement, cost planning, and customer experience. It was possible to overcome all these challenges thanks to a strong sense of dedication.

There are unique back stories behind each Nariel design. How do these stories influence your designs?
Nariel is not only for mothers. Of course, breast milk and baby keepsakes are the most common pieces, but I also have customers who want to make keepsakes with the hair or eyelashes of their deceased loved ones. For example, one of my clients who lost her mother made a necklace by combining the last strands of her mother’s hair with her own. Another customer of mine had a special ring designed for himself with the eyelashes left on his wife’s pillow after she passed away. What these pieces have in common is the heartfelt desire to physically carry their loved ones with them and to be close to them at all times.

Is there a design that has special meaning for you?
Of course, each design has its own unique value, but the most special ones are the ones I made for myself and my partner. I have a special piece of my own that holds a special place in my heart: a branch figure made of my children’s hair and a petrified form of my breast milk from 10 years ago. On my partner’s ring, there are strands of our children’s hair and their initials. We love that these pieces make us feel like our little ones are right there with us, even if we’re apart.
You participated in Istanbul Jewelry Show. How is Nariel’s international journey going?
I was very proud to be selected for the Designer Club. It was such a huge milestone for my brand when the big names in the jewelry industry embraced my designs and story. I expanded my brand, Nariel, abroad with micro exports through ETSY. Istanbul Jewelry Show also opened doors for international collaborations. My goal is simple. I want more people in Türkiye
and around the world to know about Nariel and to capture the memories of even more people.