exclusively at Vicenzaoro the “Bookrah” exhibition
The jewellery was entirely designed and hand made by the community of goldsmiths in Bourj Hammoud (one of Beirut's suburbs) to symbolize the capacity for union and sharing, despite the ongoing crisis that the region is suffering. Thanks to a UNIDO project, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and to the support of the Creative Mediterranean project, the collections, designed in collaboration with designers Nadja Zerunian and Peter Weisz from the Austrian design company, Zerunianandweisz, are inspired by the topography of the city of Bourj Hammoud, its streets and avenues. "By representing our city, where many communities live, and mixing the various cultural influences, we wanted to demonstrate how we share and desire to create together,” says Krikor Asdarjian, one of the collection's creators.
Work and fight together, using the rich and varied cultural heritage that so distinguishes this land, to create innovative and contemporary jewellery: this is the message of the new and extraordinary “Bookrah” collection.
The aim of the Creative Mediterranean project is to support cultural and creative clusters of companies in the southern Mediterranean area in order to favour mechanisms of resilience within a region that has undergone significant economic and social changes and instability, and provide the tools for local craftsmen to re-interpret their own cultural heritage and adapt them to market needs.
At Bourj Hammoud, jewellery production unites traditional Lebanese models, Armenian techniques and cultural influences from the entire region.
“Bookrah” proposes three lines of high range innovative jewellery using a variety of materials for different styles, which harmoniously blend different cultural influences and modern design. The Miasin line, in 18 carat yellow gold, white diamonds and green quartz, unites straight lines and green brightness in enormously striking earrings, bracelets and rings. The Griffe line mainly contains 18 carat yellow gold, white diamonds and yellow citrines. Golden shades of different hues give the items a bright elegance. The jewellery in the silver and gold-plated zircon Grid line are light but highly striking due to the finishings and refined and elaborate details.
