Thinkin' Jewels
Teaching Eastern philosophy to the style obsessed may seem like a tall order for an accessories brand, but for Wayne Chang it's become a passionate endeavor.
Chang is the founder of L.A.-based company Samsara, a luxury line of silver accessories that takes ancient Buddhist symbols — such as the sword of wisdom, which helps point the wearer on the right path; and the pixiu, which allegedly attracts wealth — and transforms them into intricately designed mens’ jewelry.
Meaning “wheel of life” in Buddhism, Samsara refers to the continuous cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth until enlightment is achieved. The masculine line of rings, pendants, cufflinks and money clips is, “More of a lifestyle and philosophy and pursuit of spirituality,” said Chang. “Less of a structured religion. When this [company] came about I just wanted to tell some great mythologies and use that as inspiration. Hopefully remind people to do something great for others.”
Chang started Samsara while on the hunt for a luxe ring he could wear everyday. Growing up Buddhist in Taiwan, his family believed in the cultural superstition that says gaps between the fingers are an indication of money slipping through one’s grasp. To remedy this, you have to wear a ring on their middle finger.
Chang’s father gifted him with a diamond ring to seal his gaps; but the bling was too flashy for daily use. He scoured local department stores and jewelry boutiques, but found the same old skulls, crosses, rose hearts, fleur de lys and daggers at every location.
“How many skulls can you really wear after a while?” Chang asked jokingly. Tired of seeing the same thing, he teamed up with designer Tony Lin to launch the Samsara collection.
Each piece revolves around the central themes of compassion, wisdom, fortune, nirvana and samsara, and comes with a bit of lore. The story that accompanies the sword of wisdom, a slim unisex-feeling pendant, is that the double blades represent truth, while the firey blaze urges energy towards enlightment and wisdom. The jagged flame tip of the sword is meant to cut away at aversion and longing — to reveal the path of empathy and kindness. Hel-lo, Path of Righteousness.
“These simple stories are really a means of teaching people to be nice to each other,” Chang said. “How to love, be compassionate and generous, and then acting on those impulses as second nature because it’s the right thing to do.”
Creating each piece is a meticulous process. Lin sketches alone and then decides on a final look with Chang. From there, a 3D rendering is turned into a custom wax-and-silicone model used to craft the items. Every detail is molded to perfection. Tiny ruby eyes cast into the pixiu dragon ring stare back at the wearer. The effect make for a bit of unease, but in an instant that feeling transforms to serenity. Yeah, we can't explain it either. The piece is meant to bring prosperity and wealth to the owner, and is the perfect reminder to stay calm, and welcome life’s gifts.
Priced between $440 and $1,300, Samsara has already found fans in bling-loving Russell Brand, Slash and DJ Steve Aoki. The line has also recently unveiled their e-commerce site, where the majority of their collection is available. “As you are telling other people why you are wearing such things,” says Chang, “you are also translating that to everyone around you. Just that simply, the message spreads.”