Founded in 1969, Azza Fahmy has celebrated meticulous craftsmanship and exquisite artisanry in its creations for over half a century, but its latest high jewellery collection dates back much further, takings its inspiration from the elegance and opulence of the Ottoman empire as well as finding muses from the natural world. Each design has been conceived by head designer Amina Ghali to emphasise the natural beauty of every gemstone, emphasising its rich hues and unique silhouette.
By placing emeralds, rubellites, tanzanites and aquamarines centre stage, the new collection – akin to the maison’s previous high jewellery collection – is entitled The Tales of the Nile, and explores the beauty of Mother Nature’s finest creations. Crafted in 18-karat gold, each piece illustrates the master craftsmanship of the maison, showcasing handwoven chains, intricate filigree and Arabic calligraphy, adorned with scintillating gemstones. Each piece starts with its unique gemstone in mind, ensuring that each piece is a one-of-a-kind ode to nature’s precious gift.
The collection celebrates two distinct muses: the Wonders of Nature, and Soraya, a celestial exploration of Ottoman heritage. Highlights from the collection include the Chain of Happiness necklace, which was inspired by a piece in Azza Fahmy’s personal collection from the 1980s, and has become one of the maison’s signature silhouettes. A sensational oval shape rubellite weighing over 26 carats sits at its heart, embraced by two handwoven chains, and the piece is inscribed with ‘Happiness’ in Arabic, to bring joy to its wearer with every outing. Its perfect partner, the Happiness earrings feature octagon shape rubellites weighing almost 13 carats, paired with the finest white diamonds.
Another showstopping piece is the Garden of Light choker, which flaunts a pear shape aquamarine weighing over 17 carats, flanked by Japanese Akoya pearls. Its V-shaped floral motif glitters with diamonds, similarly showcasing the maison’s exquisite filigree work and also bearing an uplifting inscription: ‘Blessings’. The necklace is complemented by the Garden of Light earrings and ring, allowing its wearer to indulge in the full parure, or pick one piece to wear at a time.
The Ottoman Star & Crescent necklace is directly inspired by the Ottoman world, featuring motifs that were synonymous with its artistry and architecture. Adorned with a pear shape tanzanite weighing over 21 carats, and delicately set among intricate filigree stars and crescents, the piece expertly explores light and shadow. This necklace is part of a suite of jewels of the same inspiration, with the Ottoman Star & Crescent brooch, Ottoman Star & Crescent earrings completing the set.
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