The vault: Aysha Bilgrami

Pakistani-Colombian jewellery designer Aysha Bilgrami talks to us about her love for jewellery and design, and unlocks her vault to share pieces that are especially close to her heart

How/when did you get interested in jewellery?

Ever since I can remember. When I was little, I would wear all of my mother’s and grandmother’s jewellery and prance around the house. Later on, I made jewellery myself out of Lego, string, beads or even old computer keyboard letters. At fashion school, my teachers encouraged me to go into accessories and jewellery instead of clothes, but I was a little stubborn and carried on in different areas of fashion. I finally realized that jewellery was the area where I expressed myself the most and had the most fun, so in September 2014 I launched my own brand.

What are your favourite pieces of jewellery (precious or costume)?

A headpiece made of a simple metal. It has many little pieces with intricate designs and whenever I wear it, it becomes a head turner. I am also obsessed with the long Noor earrings in my latest collection, designed and made in Colombia — they are made in silver, with 24k gold-plating. They dress up any outfit and make such a statement.



Where did you get it from?

I found the headpiece during a family trip to Turkey, though the man who sold it to me claimed it was from his hometown in Iraq.

Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?

I am emotionally attached to all of them. Some I´ve collected during my travels and have beautiful memories attached to them, others have been collected throughout the years, and you can really tell what my taste was at that time. Of course, I am also attached to my own designs – they are my babies, my creations!

Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces?

I used to collect interesting keys and hang them on a chain. It started when I arrived in Milan to study fashion design. I was searching for a house to live in and saw this beautiful antique key on the sidewalk, so I picked it up. A week later, I rented the apartment where I had found the key and always thought it was a sign. I collected them throughout the six years I lived in Italy, some were gifted and others I would find in random places or flea markets. I have three chains, the heaviest weighs three kilos, and I’m planning to hang them on the wall or something — they’ve just become too heavy to wear!

Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?

I am always on the lookout for historical pieces with a story, which can inspire me to design pieces for my brand.