26 August 2026 21:31 |
Last updated:
26 August 21:49 2026
Summary
The ‘Irthi Council’ and Emirati jeweller Aadi Al-Fardan present a collection inspired by the Saffiya craft, using gold and stones that symbolise identity, women’s day, and the sustainability of craftsmanship.
The Irthi Contemporary Craft Council, alongside renowned Emirati jeweller Aadi Al-Fardan, unveils an exclusive collection that draws inspiration from the traditional craft of Saffiya. This new collection encapsulates the geometric formations and visual details of this craft, elegantly transitioning from fabric to gold and gemstones, grounded in extensive research and the craft archive curated by the Council.
Inherited Knowledge
Reem Bin Karam, General Director of the Irthi Contemporary Craft Council, commented: “Our work at Irthi begins with the understanding of craftsmanship as an inherited knowledge capable of sustaining and evolving. Hence, research and documentation are crucial in preserving its details, comprehending it, and passing it on to new generations. Our collaboration with Aadi Al-Fardan exemplifies how this knowledge can open new pathways for Emirati craftsmanship, allowing Saffiya to transition from its traditional context to the world of jewellery while maintaining its identity and uniqueness. Launching the collection in conjunction with Emirati Women’s Day holds special significance, recognising the vital role that Emirati artisans have played in safeguarding and transmitting this knowledge across generations, while also acknowledging women’s current contributions to its ongoing development.”
Reem Bin Karam
The collection features four sets, each consisting of a bracelet, necklace, earrings, and a ring, crafted from 18-carat gold in white, yellow, and rose hues. The gemstones echo the colours of the UAE flag—red rubies, emeralds, black diamonds, and white diamonds—adding a symbolic dimension linked to identity and the occasion it commemorates. Each chain in the collection carries the phrase “Hassantak bismillah ya watan” taken from the national anthem of the UAE, with each chain representing a word from the phrase, reinforcing the collection’s ties to national identity and its celebration of Emirati Women’s Day.
Preserving the Past
Aadi Al-Fardan remarked: “This collaboration with the Irthi Contemporary Craft Council holds special significance for me, as we share a belief that heritage is not just about preserving the past but also about our ability to breathe new life into it. Through Irthi’s research and the Saffiya craft, we have translated an authentic element of our Emirati identity into four pieces of jewellery with a contemporary vision. This collaboration takes on greater meaning due to its alignment with Emirati Women’s Day, celebrating the woman who has played and continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding, developing, and transmitting this heritage into the future.”
Aadi Al-Fardan
This collaboration reflects a shared vision for the sustainability of craft heritage, employing documented knowledge and opening new possibilities in design that enhance the presence of Emirati craftsmanship, allowing it to continue and evolve within new contexts.