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| Sterling Silver Sancus Pendant Necklace |
Due to its location, near the salty Lake Urmia, Nir is known for its salt industry while Ardabil has a thriving Persian carpet business.
Iran is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Negar Khatami.
From the haute, ruched fabric designs of Maryam Keyhani to the bold, urban flair
of Melody Ehsani, Iranian jewelry
styles are very diverse.
Like her contemporaries, Khatami brings a fresh perspective to her classically structured jewelry designs.
Like her contemporaries, Khatami brings a fresh perspective to her classically structured jewelry designs.
Based in Vancouver, Canada Khatami has long been an avid
student of the world developing an appreciation for different cultures.
Her handmade jewelry collections of 14-and 18-karat gold, sterling silver, and gemstones are based in ancient Persian symbolism, life and love, protection and a “crooked tree branch” Khatami found in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
Her handmade jewelry collections of 14-and 18-karat gold, sterling silver, and gemstones are based in ancient Persian symbolism, life and love, protection and a “crooked tree branch” Khatami found in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
Pendant necklaces, bangle bracelets, and earrings in many
cases are roughhewn with distressed surface textures, oxidation and
non-descript forms. They evoke images of
excavations where unearthed treasures are left largely untouched and
natural. It is powerful imagery full of
gravitas, presence and a story of history to tell.
Surprisingly the studious jeweler ventured into the world of
jewelry making by chance. A business
major, Khatami became a reluctant fixture in the corporate world. However, after several years on the corporate
ladder she felt a longing for a change.
“I had believed I would work my way to becoming a
stockbroker or bank manager. Somewhere
along the line, I had changed and felt a need to search for a new career,” she
recalls.
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| 18K Gold Mila Earrings |
“It was 2008 and there was a flyer that came in the mail
from Vancouver Community College. So I looked through it and decided to take a
jewelry-making course—a night class. It
was a long shot but I felt like maybe there was something to this.
When I cut my first piece of sterling silver sheet I got a
huge rush of excitement! I then took
classes with a talented German goldsmith to learn more hands-on
techniques. I knew this was my calling.”
After initially working from a small storage area of her
house, Khatami set up a spacious studio in Vancouver four years ago. It is a space she shares with “four independent
artists” that rent a jewelry bench.
“It’s like a little piece of heaven. Life in Vancouver has been such a
blessing. It has such a lush atmosphere,
and warm multi-cultural environment,” she enthuses. “My line is diverse and there is really something
for everyone. Each piece I make comes
with a wish and a story.”
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| Sterling Silver Felictas Bracelet |
2014 Jewelry Trend Alert: Protective talismans are a huge trend this year, and Khatami’s Aevum Collection is full of pendant designs inspired by doorknockers.
Doorknockers were once believed to protect homeowners from evil spirits.
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