Bahrain-based designers are drawing inspiration from Arab symbols to create jewellery that resonates with fashion enthusiasts in the region, nodding to an increasingly personalised approach to style.
Among them is Bahraini talent and ‘Thread Architect’ Marwa Ahmed, who recently relaunched her popular Qinwan (‘cluster of dates’) collection of brooches, paying tribute to the kingdom as ‘the land of a million palm trees’.
Bahrain is home to more than 100 varieties of dates. The ongoing harvest has produced a rich bounty of ‘gharrah’ dates. Other popular types include ‘khalas’, ‘khanaizi’,‘barhi’, ‘shishi’ and ‘khawaja’.
The ensemble comprises two pieces – a palm tree and a date. Sewn together with Japanese glass beads, the bespoke wearable jewels showcase high-end, tactile precision, blending photorealism with architectural geometry.
“Heritage, to me, is about spatial memory and has no geographical limits,” noted the professional architect and creative studio owner from Muharraq.
She highlighted that her specialisation and the lessons she learned while studying architecture have contributed immensely to her artistic pursuits, spanning jewellery design and large-scale conceptual wall art.
“I apply those exact engineering principles on a micro-scale,” she added.
Other collections that her patrons have embraced include Azm, featuring sport-inspired designs, and the iconic Watermelon brooch. One of the most powerful symbols of resistance to have emerged from the region in recent times, the watermelon honours victims of the war in Palestine.
Marwa’s piece nods to the same spirit through the medium of art.
In addition to symbols, the colours of the East are also making it onto the drawing board. Canadian jewellery designer Shahrazad Amoudeh-Alireza aka Sherie from Jasra has always been drawn to the colour turquoise.
“My favourite colour is turquoise, but I work with different hues of blue, as well as pastels,” said the creative talent and owner of Sherie Boutik, a mother-daughter jewellery and home decor shop.
Blue is deeply woven into Middle Eastern culture, as seen in the ubiquitous Evil Eye motif. Cobalt and turquoise tiles adorn historic shrines, domes and interiors across the region. Not to forget the Babylonian blue on the historic Ishtar Gate crafted by ancient Mesopotamian artisans around 575 BCE.
“Since my childhood, I have been drawn to the Evil Eye motif. I love the symbolism behind it and over the years it has become fashionable as well. I am also inspired by the sun and moon and the mystical tales behind them.
“The palm tree is known for its resilience and strength and also appears in my designs. It is very dear to everyone in the Gulf and is symbolic of the culture,” she said, highlighting some of the motifs that appear in her designs, including her jewellery, from brooches to necklaces, rings and more.
GulfWeekly previously reported on Bahrain-based Egyptian designer Sally Moussa’s ‘golden tribute’ to Bahrain.
The micro-photographer and artist recently showcased her debut jewellery collection in Milan, Italy, inspired by traditional Bahraini Naqda thread work. The earrings resembled a ‘ball of thread’ commonly left behind by Naqda artists and the neckpiece, the thread ‘loops’ formed as part of the process.
