Did you wear any special kind of talisman or jewellery when you were pregnant? Are you with bump now and looking for something special to mark your connection with your growing baby?
I recently learned about a fascinating pregnancy tradition that hails from Mexico, but can also be found across different cultures from South America to India.
The Bola is a pendant sphere, traditionally worn as a long necklace or bracelet by Mexican mums-to-be, that emits a soothing chime. The Bola music becomes familiar and soothing to your unborn baby and it’s also a symbol of protection: Mexican mamas believed that ringing the Bola chimes also helped to signal for your Guardian Angel. Hence the Bola is also known as Llamador de Angeles (angel catcher).
Once baby is born, the Bola can be handed over to the child as a constant reminder of mum and for lifelong protection.
The Bola tradition is central to the first collection by Ilado, a French-based company that showcases fine jewellery handmade by artisans from around the world.
Founded by two longtime friends and young mamas, Sandra Zeller and Celia Bonahon, Ilado features beautiful gift items, jewellery, accessories and other products that help tell the story of motherhood as it’s experienced all over the globe.
And their range is stunning! Naturally I’m drawn to their U-shaped Bola necklace (can you guess why?) — also a favourite of top Parisian stylists and bloggers.
But everything in their collection offers the same high quality craftsmanship and simple, understated chic.
Their Bola bracelets look like ultra glam friendship bracelets that you would make wonderful gifts to share with fellow mamas in the making. Also it would be easy to pass the bracelet on to your little one to wear, as the wrist ties are pure skin-friendly cotton and adjustable in length. C’est mignon, non?
Win a Bola Bracelet worth €55
Win your own Limited Edition chiming Bola Bracelet, worth €55, from the lovely ladies at Ilado. A delightful gift for a new mum, a mum-to-be, or to pass on to your precious one! Entry is simple via Rafflecopter form below. Best of luck!
Read more about the Bola tradition and visit the Ilado online store to see their full collection.
I love the lucky charm angel too!
The cord bola necklace is gold pink.x
this is lovely LUCKY CHARM ANGEL
Love Bola Jaune necklace and bracelets! :))
i like this http://www.ilado-paris.com/eshop/en/bola/8-kin-necklace.html#/colour-quartz_pink
Love the lucky charm angel, very special x
I absolutely love the U Bola Necklace White Gold Plated!
The half gold bola necklace
I like the lucky elephant charm x
KIN bola necklace in rose pink
I love their Water Element Necklace x
I love the clover charm x
I love the Kin Bola necklace in Quartz Pink
http://www.ilado-paris.com/eshop/en/bola/8-kin-necklace.html#/colour-quartz_pink
Love the lucky charm angel x
PEARL BOLA NECKLACE
I love the LUCKY CHARM ANGEL
The lucky charm is gorgeous
The cord bola necklace is lovely :)
U bola necklace white gold is stunning
Angel lucky charm xx
I love the Air Element Necklace!
fab giveaway, lovely jewellery!
Like the Lucky Charm Angel
i love the KIN bola necklace
PEARL BOLA NECKLACE in black is my favourite
U BOLA NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD
U BOLA NECKLACE
I love the lucky charm elephant – so cute!
ooooh the clover charm is lovely
I really love the delicate Kin Bola necklace.
The water element charm is lovely
I love the Kin Bola necklace in Onyx Black
Sarah would LOVE the lucky charm angel
I love the delicate Kin Bola necklace x
KIN BOLA NECKLACE
I love the Pearl Bola Necklace in Pink
I love the water element charm!
the lucky angel charm is so very sweet
HALF GOLD BOLA NECKLACE pink and gold plated :)
love the lucky charm elephant
I just love the lucky charm Angel beautiful :)
Customisable medal
I love this :
http://www.ilado-paris.com/eshop/en/kids/25-customisable-medal-charm-3700974400505.html
Customisable medal…nice
KIN BOLA NECKLACE :)
I love the PEARL BOLA NECKLACE
the lucky charm angel xxx