Jizo and Chibi Jewelry is the creation of Valerie Johns, but the story of Jizo goes back thousands of years. 2500 years ago, Jizo was one of the four principal bodhisattvas – enlightened teachers – in Mahayana Buddhism. Upon his enlightenment, when he could have transcended this life forever, he pledged to remain on earth until every soul was finished suffering. Revered as the protector of children, he can connect us to our inner child. Jizo also protects travelers.

While living in Tokyo as a teenager, Johns had two friends who were very tiny, and were called the “Chibi-ko Gang”, meaning gang of little ones.

As an adult in Japan, Johns began noticing small stone figures, sometimes scattered in groups alongside a road, sometimes one by itself in a backyard. Her host told her that the figures were Jizo. She explained that “Jizo protects all people, but mostly we think of him as the protector of children: healthy, sick, unborn, never born.”

When I was emailed about doing a review of Jizo and Chibi, I was immediately drawn to the story. I like the idea of wearing a piece of jewelry with a charm, a talisman of sorts, especially when I travel since Jizo protects travelers. I asked to review the gold Jizo charm. I like to imagine that under his coat he his holding a Chibi, a little one, close to his heart, protecting both me as I travel and watching over my kids at home.

At jizoandchibi.com, Johns carries both figures in earrings and necklaces, in sterling silver and 81K gold vermeil. She also has pendants with gemstones, and bracelets. Each piece is handmade in Los Angeles. You can also purchase Johns’ books “Why a Fly?” in which Jizo helps Chibi with unanswerable questions, and “what I heard & what you said”, a book about communication. The site also has Johns’ artwork, and a short meditation practice focused on the breath.

I’m really looking forward to wearing my Jizo pendant and explaining to people who ask who he is and what he stands for. I think I’ll feel a lot better about my trip to New York wearing Jizo around my neck! Please check out jizoandchibi.com and see if there’s a piece that speaks to you.