‘Everybody must get stoned’

Faiza Kamran exhibits her latest collection of fine jewellery.

LAHORE: Jewellery designer, painter and wrought iron designer Faiza Kamran showcased her second collection of fine art jewellery under the banner ‘Stoned’ at the Royal Palm golf and country club on Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

The collection included a range of designs showcasing Egyptian, Mughal and Moroccan influences as well as several contemporary designs. Faiza’s complexion relies almost entirely on showcasing precious and semi-precious gem stones set in silver or gold plating.

“I was very aware when I launched my collection back in 2008 that gold was hardly affordable any longer and that large chunky stones set in gold would be extremely hard to afford,” she said, adding that she chose to work with silver but occasionally takes orders in gold. “It depends on the customer. I personally can’t afford to work in gold but there are still some customers who don’t feel jewellery is ‘real’ if it isn’t done in gold so I custom design for them. Mostly, though I am glad that the trends are changing and people are embracing newer designs and a new approach to wearing jewellery,” she said.

Faiza began designing her first collection in 2008 and this latest collection showcases several pieces of her earlier designs.

“I made lots of sets back then but I’ve realised those don’t sell as much. Most women want something they can wear whenever they want and not just during wedding functions,” she said, adding “The focus this year has been bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings and I think people have really appreciated it,” she said.

“I thought it was beautifully done! Every single piece is unique and I’m glad that they are affordable. At least with silver jewellery one can buy something chunky and enjoy showing it off. One can hardly afford to that with gold anymore,” said a customer, Nida Shah.

“I came to last year’s exhibition and I told all my friends about it this year simply because I knew that it would be different and it has been great. I haven’t really seen this many people ‘buying’ jewellery at an exhibition rather than just browsing,” said Mehnaz Alam.

“There is a bit of something for everyone. Some of the items are steeply priced.

Then again the bracelets and single pieces are affordable. So it depends on what you’re looking for,” said Bushra Anjum Nayaz.

“I’ve tried to keep it as affordable as I can but I know that is hard to manage with a jewellery collection especially since the price of silver has gone up considerably this year. Still, I think that people will always pay for something different and new and I’m glad that many have told me they think my work falls into that sphere. It’s very humbling,” Faiza Kamran said.

Faiza Kamran’s stoned collection is available at her personal studio in New Garden Town and she can be contacted at [e-mail].

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th, 2010.