Almasika

A moment in history we are honored to be a part of. 🖤

Michelle Obama wears Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté earrings in the first official portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama together, commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Painted by acclaimed artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, The Obamas: Springing Forth marks a significant cultural moment, one rooted in legacy, storytelling, and heritage.

Thank you Mere/Mer for making this possible.

This landmark commission will be on view in the main lobby of the museum at the Obama Presidential Center, which opens in Chicago this coming Friday on Juneteenth. The portrait weaves together archival imagery, family albums, historical ephemera, and cultural touchstones. Densely layered and rich with biographical detail, the work honors the Obamas’ legacy while connecting it to the many generations of artists, activists, citizens, and leaders whose collective journeys helped pave their way to the White House.

This first dual portrait of the Obamas depicts them as both public figures and people with layered private lives. Using her signature photo-transfer technique, Akunyili Crosby incorporates images significant to the couple and those from our shared cultural memory. Rich detail situates the Obamas’ public lives within the personal histories that shaped them: a window frames the scene, its arches echoing the Oval Office, while the view centers Mrs. Obama’s childhood home, her father’s Buick parked out front.

An ancestral talisman, reimagined. ✨

For centuries, the cowrie shell has symbolized prosperity, spirituality, and good fortune. Our Le Cauri Endiamanté necklaces honor this rich legacy and are available in solid gold, demi pavé diamond, and full pavé diamond, each piece transforms a treasured symbol into modern fine jewelry designed to carry meaning with every wear.

Ancient symbolism, modern expression.

The Emerald Universum Ring and Veni Diamant Hoops transform timeless motifs into contemporary fine jewelry, handcrafted in 18K gold and diamonds. 💫