Kerry Washington has birthed many things in her life — creatively through her acting and directing careers, philanthropically as part of her dedication to activism and biologically as the mother of her children with husband Nnamdi Asomugha. Celebrating all facets of womanhood is the cornerstone of her second collection with the female-founded, sustainable jewelry brand, Aurate — a company she invested in last year. Debuting on April 26 ahead of Mother’s Day, the “Birth Of Mother” collection is inspired by Italian artist Botticelli’s famous painting, The Birth of Venus, and “is a nod to women being born of nature and their sensuality, strength and allure.”
The nine-piece capsule — ranging in price from $120 to $480 — includes earrings, rings and necklaces featuring delicate organic pearls and set in sustainable 14k gold vermeil. “The design of the collection is inspired by elements of the ocean — every shell, texture, and pearl is unique in its intricacies, every wave and current is powerful and unpredictable,” Washington, who stars in the gorgeous, empowering campaign alongside her mother, professor Valerie Washington, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Parenting is like that too, I think. Unique, unpredictable, powerful and beautiful.” While Washington says it’s “too difficult” to choose her favorite piece in the line, there is one style that is the most meaningful for her.
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“All of them are so special to me in their own way, but the stacked three-pearl ring [Venus Organic Pearl Tri Gold Ring, $360] holds special personal significance because of my three children,” she shares with PEOPLE, referencing her biological children, Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha, 7, and Caleb Kelechi Asomugha, 4, and her husband’s daughter from a previous relationship.For Washington, motherhood takes many different facets. “I think it’s important to celebrate motherhood in all its forms,” she says. “Whether you’re mothering a child, an animal, a project, or even a dream, caring for what you love is a sacred act.”
And continuing to collaborate with Aurate is a partnership she can be proud of thanks to the brand’s ethics. “I love finding products that are high quality, elegant and beautiful while also being good to the planet. I’m thrilled to be aligned with a company like Aurate that offers these choices at a more affordable price point so that sustainability and elegance can be more accessible.”Below, read more about Washington’s dedication to supporting womanhood, her own Mother’s Day traditions and more.