aloka's Profile

Bio

Welcome! I am Lakshmi Sonbuchner, a medical student and metalsmith living in New York City.


ALOKA EXPLAINED

Aloka means vision, glimmer, an opening of the eyes, in the ancient Indian language Sanskrit.

The name fits: 100% of profits from my shop will be donated to Asha for Education (www.ashanet.org), which supports educational projects for the poor in India.

I chose this charity because of my interest in education and its effect on health, and because of the charity's efficiency--97% of donations goes directly toward its programs, according to the third party evaluator www.charitynavigator.org.

At Aloka, the good cause goes hand-in-hand with good craftsmanship and customer service. I take care to pay attention to details and quality in my metalsmithing, as I do in my studies in medical school.

My designs are inspired by the little details of life in India--details like the jasmine flowers that south Indian women wear in their hair everyday or typical color combinations found on South Indian saris.

Favorite Materials

silver, gold, gemstones