TRADITIONS
Gold in the Arab world has never been just an accessory. It is memory, lineage, a dowry, a promise. It jingles softly with heritage and shimmers with stories untold—passed down from grandmother to granddaughter, worn in weddings, carried across vast stretches of land and sea, and carefully safeguarded in silk pouches and velvet boxes.
Arabian jewellery is, at its heart, an heirloom language. Every link, clasp, and charm tells a tale of migration, celebration, spirituality, or resistance. Across the vast and richly diverse Arab world—from the polished souks of the Arabian Peninsula to the mountainous Berber regions of North Africa—there exists a tapestry of designs as enduring as the people who wear them.
The Arabian Peninsula: Gilded Traditions of the Desert Kingdoms
The Arabian states are synonymous with gold. Not just for its material wealth, but for its spiritual and cultural gravitas. Here, gold has long been a guardian of a woman's independence—her insurance, her pride, her legacy.
Zar Bangles & Tawayef Sets
Among the most coveted adornments are the Zar bangles—thick, interlocked 21k or 22k gold bracelets etched with geometric motifs or Quranic verses. These are rarely worn alone. Traditionally gifted in multiples, especially during marriage contracts, they represent both beauty and security. In Bahraini tradition, a full Tawayef set might include layered bangles, necklaces, rings, and anklets—entire suites of gold that are both decorative and symbolic of marital blessing.
Coins
Bedouin coin necklaces, often strung with silver dirhams, are a poetic reminder of trade routes that once crossed these lands. They once functioned both as adornment and currency, crafted for nomadic lives—worn during celebrations, disassembled when necessary for survival.
Hirz Amulets
The Hirz—a small hollow pendant in cylindrical or rectangular form—is worn close to the heart, often housing a folded verse from the Qur'an or a family prayer. These pieces are not merely decorative; they are intimate artefacts of spiritual shielding.
The Levant: Artistry Rooted in Empire and Earth
In the Levant—modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan—jewellery has long been a political and poetic expression. It blends Phoenician craft, Roman order, Ottoman flourish, and Arab sentiment.
Khamsa
Perhaps the most recognisable motif from this region is the Khamsa, or Hand of Fatima. Worn as a pendant or part of an intricate chain, it is both a talisman and a declaration of belief. Traditionally shaped in silver or gold, the hand often holds an eye—warding off envy and inviting divine protection.
Al Takhreem
Filigree has been perfected in the Levant over centuries. This meticulous lace-like metalwork, often seen in brooches, earrings, and rings, requires a level of patience and precision passed through generations. Each spiral and knot holds within it a quiet artistry, reminiscent of Levantine textiles and calligraphy.
Tatreez
Among the most poignant expressions of heritage in Levantine jewellery are pieces inspired by tatreez—the centuries-old Palestinian art of hand embroidery. More than decorative needlework, tatreez is a visual language passed from mother to daughter, encoding village names, life events, social status, and ancestral memory in a matrix of geometric motifs.
North Africa: Silver Stories and Ancestral Memory
To journey through North Africa—Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt—is to encounter a different metal tradition. While the Arabian Peninsula glows gold, here silver reigns—respected for its spiritual purity and accessibility. Jewellery is bolder, grander, and often adorned with enamel, coral, or amazonite.
Berber Fibulae
One of the oldest forms of adornment, the Berber fibula (or tizerais) is a triangular or crescent-shaped brooch used to pin garments together. Beyond function, they became symbolic—worn during ceremonies and often gifted as a sign of betrothal. Their size and intricacy reflect both status and tribal identity.
Kabyle Enamel Work
Algerian Kabyle jewellery is unmissable—its vibrant enamels in fiery reds, sunlit yellows, and verdant greens speak of celebration. These pieces, often passed down through maternal lines, are ceremonial treasures worn during weddings and festivals, representing prosperity, fertility, and joy.
Tuareg Carvings
From the Sahara comes the minimalist mystique of the Tuareg people, the jewellery nomads. Their silver crosses and signet rings are carved with ancient motifs—symbols of direction, protection, and lineage. Unlike other jewellery, these pieces are rarely ornamental; they are tools of memory and map-like amulets.
Arabian jewellery has never simply been about beauty. It is a language—fluid, intricate, and deeply personal. It speaks of birthrights, migrations, prayers, rebellions, and love stories. It bridges the divine and the everyday. It evolves—but never forgets.
In a world of mass production, the enduring appeal of traditional Arab jewellery lies in its intention. Every weight of gold, every piece of silver, every linked coin or enamoured pin is a nod to something deeper—ancestry, artistry, and soul.