Algeria - Rabia Khureis
Algerian accessories designer Aisha Belhashimy spoke about her relation with jewelry design, and her transition to sculpture on the second most expensive material in Algeria after gold, the silver, using symbols from Algerian heritage.
Belhashimy, 32, was born in Mostaganem province, west of Algiers, and grew up in a conservative family. In an interview with Arabs Today, she revealed her start in the accessories design, saying that she had decided to stay at home but refused to live without a hobby in her spare time.
In 2012, Belhashimy decided to develop her talent in the design of accessories, but in a different and unique way, every piece of jewelry has historic significance from the Algerian heritage. Before the design phase, Belhashimy makes research about the meaning of various historical symbols, and then she cast these symbols on silver metal, which is an essential material in the design of accessories.
She said that most of the symbols were drawn by Algerian woman on her face "tattoo", noting that she wants to preserve the meanings of these symbols which carries tales of ancestors and heritage of Algeria.