There is a strong jewellery tradition in Turkish culture. During the Ottoman period, Armenians were the key artisans in the jewellery sector. Now, although they still dominate the jewellery scene with their incredible designs and exquisite craftsmanship, there are very talented artists from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds.
The cultural richness of the country enables designers to create incredibly unique pieces of jewellery that are a blend of tradition and modernity.
Earrings of Ottoman royal women
Byzantine bracelet
Jewels from Troy
Drawing their inspiration from hundreds of different civilisations that passed through Anatolia along with the Byzantine, Ottoman and traditional Turkish cultures, designers create fancy objects of desire.
One of the best examples is Urart. Drawing its inspiration from the name of Urart civilisation, they offer unique collections that ignite the imagination. The brand has received many international awards for its unique designs such as the “Spirals of Istanbul collection”. Pay a visit to its shop in Nisantasi or in Zorlu Shopping Center and be ready to dive into a world of wonders. Don’t miss to look at the ring that has gotten its inspiration from the oldest love poem in the world written by a Sumerian nun to the king.
A replica of the oldest love poem in the world – the original might be visited at the Istanbul Archeological Museum
Examples of Urart Mücevherat designs
One other brand that will blow your mind away is Kafkas. With a wide collection of elegant designs, you will be lured into a world of beauty. The designs are not for those who are into minimalism. On the contrary, they come from another world -a world before us- where it is all about accentuation and flamboyance. They are for those who want to make a statement.
Gilan is another elegant brand. An ultimate statement of luxury. A brand that has sponsored the restoration of Topkapı Palace Treasury Section, Gilan offers a wide range of impressive collections which draw their inspiration from our strong Ottoman tradition as well as the Byzantine tradition in terms colours and forms as well as from the contemporary world.
From the Theodora Collection of Gilan
Check out the collection of Theodora by Gilan referring to the Byzantine Empress of Theodora. She was married to the Byzantine Emperor Justiniaus and she was one of the co-founders of Hagia Sophia: biggest cathedral of the world for a 1000 years. She is also known for passing progressive laws for women in the Roman Empire.
The only fully preserved depiction of Theodora made of mosaics on the wall of San Vitale Church in Ravena, Italy.
Another example of the Gilan Collections
Gilan brand projected on the entrance of the Topkapı Palace, the first Palace of the Ottomans established in Istanbul after they have conquered the city of Constantinople.
One last collection by Gilan to check is the ‘Legendary Birds’ Collection which is one of my most favorite
Now, it is time to talk about jewellery for the soul: Bee Goddess. Drawing its inspiration from female goddesses, Bee Goddess offers collections for modern women that connects her to female archetypes and their energies.
From the collection of Bee Goddess
Whatever your style, flamboyant, vintage, minimalist; there is definitely something for your taste and your soul in Istanbul.
