I have never seen Islamic inspired jewellery being sold here in Australia, that is if you don't count the little ethnic gold shops that seem to think they can sell gold pendants of low quality for exorbitant prices. My husband actually got me into the habit of buying decent high carat gold direct from Egypt because it is cheaper, better quality and handmade so every time we go back to his homeland I always manage to pick up a piece or two. I usually venture down the ring section of the store but have had the thought in my head lately that next time we go I am going to start focusing on necklaces and bracelets because I don't have any gold pieces (costume jewellery aside). The aim is to get at least one nice Islamic designed piece because I have always thought Arabic lettering was quite pretty and wanted to find a piece that was gold but also mixed in somehow with a little colour; be it a bead or few. The sort of thing I wanted is exactly what I found in UK based Innaya Couture.
They sent me six gorgeous pieces (two rings, three bracelets and a necklace in a box) and although it isn't real gold it is pretty much exactly what I have been looking for design-wise; the perfect mix of golden hues, Arabic/Islamic themed and splashes of brightly coloured beading. It has definitely quelled the lust I had for this sort of thing.
Two of the bracelets are beaded (one in a bright lilac, the other in turquoise) and include a gold chain and an Islamic pendent each. I have thick wrists and these beauties were both long enough to be loose on me once done up. It is something I always struggle with when purchasing bracelets so I'm obviously quite happy about that.
The third bracelet, although not as colourful, is probably my favourite. It's both simple and slightly in your face at the same time. I love the strong contrast of the black against the gold and find the Islamic emblem to be beautifully written.
The rings - the red rimmed with the dangling beads is my favourite. Both are large in size which I like. I hardly ever buy tiny rings because I don't have tiny delicate bones so "the bigger, the better" is kind of my policy when it comes to picking jewellery. Once again; beautiful lettering.
I obviously wouldn't wear all the pieces together at the one time (massive overload) but did so here for size comparison.
The necklace - turquoise blue and gold offset each other nicely. I know some people don't like the evil eye symbol on their jewellery because they believe it is just superstitious mumbo jumbo. Personally, I have always thought of it as aesthetically pleasing but have never believed in it or any power it holds. It is just there for the prettiness aspect.
What is your favourite piece?
Bracelets up close.
You can buy these statement pieces and many more (so many unique designs to choose from!) from Innaya Couture. Get in touch with them via their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram (which is where I first discovered them).
Details + Links
Jewellery ~ Innaya Couture (buy here)
Hijab ~ Sora Australia (buy here)
Top ~ Abaya Addict (buy here)
Which piece is your favourite? Do you own any Islamic themed jewellery?