In the passageways of old Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar, artistic craftsmanship, combined with the romance of Ancient Egypt, inspired the country’s first designer label. Drawing on thousand-year-old techniques and a unique approach to design, Azza Fahmy is renowned for her art of storytelling through intricately handcrafted jewellery. Today, her brand is recognised for its celebration of tradition while pushing the boundaries of design, and has recently collaborated with fashion powerhouse Balmain.
Immortalising her Egyptian heritage through her collections, Fahmy’s pieces are seen as ‘an expression of love’. The jeweller says that the innovative creations of her design house reflect ‘something contemporary but, at the same time, it has the spirit of the Pharaohs’.
Celebrating female power and fertility, the shining jewel in the house’s latest collection, Wonders of Nature: Reimagined, is the Cabochon Snake Necklace. Head designer Amina Ghali spoke of the creation of the one-of-a-kind piece: ‘The snake was worshipped as a god in Ancient Egypt, while powerful women from Cleopatra to Queen Victoria – with her snake engagement ring – are associated with this animal,’ said Ghali. ‘Snakes are a symbol of rebirth, as they shed their skin to reveal a new self. That idea is so relevant now as we start again after the turmoil of the past years.’
Crafted from 18-carat gold and adorned with an abundance of cabochon gemstones that reflect the light for a glossy brilliance, the eye-catching design features champagne diamonds, sapphire, amethyst, Baroque pearls and tourmaline. The snake’s head, embellished with a richly coloured ruby, acts as an elegant clasp, while the stones are carefully placed in Turkish bezel settings that link to one another to create a slinky, serpentine feel.
A statement piece inspiring the next generation of powerful women, Azza Fahmy’s poetic ode to the beauty of the Egyptian landscape is the perfect addition to any avid traveller’s jewellery collection.
