Ranyah Siraj, a well-known Saudi jewelry designer, presented her collection at the “Eden-True Colors” event, which was inaugurated by Jenkins, wife of the British ambassador, at Areej Art café in Riyadh recently.
Siraj is a “concept” art designer who derives her inspiration from nature. She uses over 150 kinds of unique gemstones to design her creations — opals from Mexico, butterflies from Peru, turquoise from America, shells from the Pacific, and fossils of shells and inlaid leaves. “The collection marks a new beginning as such art exhibits provide a platform to connect different cultures,” said Jenkins. “Through such events we can strengthen the foundations of the Saudi-British relations,” she added.
“The pieces really speak to you and connect to your personality. I am personally very fond of gems and jewelry. This gave me a perfect opportunity to get close to some designs that make a complete personality statement. Going through the collection, one can find a piece that definitely matches her personality,” she said.
Siraj travels around the world to collect material for her creations as her designs are all about nature. Her collection is completely outstanding with strong colored stones, big bold pieces and a good variety for people of varied tastes. The artistic dazzling rings and pendants all exude a touch of creativity.
“She frequently puts up exhibitions of her creations and has her regular clientele who keep coming back to her for more. As a proprietor, she takes care of her customers extending her personal touch,” said Hanneen from the Art and Skills Institute, Riyadh.
The event included a PowerPoint presentation by Siraj on “changing trends in jewelry over the centuries.”
“Fashion jewelry and statement jewelry are personality specific,” said Helen Raw Rees, a regular client of Siraj. “Jewelry should reflect your sense of stability and class,” she added.
Monique Nicholas of the French Embassy defined the collection as “artistic,” and said, “They surely hold a timeless appeal featuring bold colors and flamboyant styles.”
Naz Jameel who prefers to wear a one-statement piece and loves to experiment with colored jewelry said the collection offers a multitude of choice.
Zafran Iqbal of the British Council presented a history of Arabic calligraphy, its origin and importance in the Muslim world.
A sketching class by an American art professor and a workshop by Italian stylist Sabina Metta were also part of the event.