All photos courtesy of Shafiaa El Wakeel
Elwakil discusses the challenges she met in her quest to create unique, handcrafted pieces that pay tribute to our rich culture and heritage while embracing modern design aesthetics.
Ahram Online: When did your journey into the world of jewellery design begin?
Shafiaa Elwakil: I have always loved art, visual art or any form of craftsmanship. Since my childhood, I have had a deep passion for drawing. My father was a visual artist who always supported me in pursuing art.
I initially chose to join the Faculty of Fine Arts. However, I later enrolled in the Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, because I believed this department was the "mother of all arts." It represented a fusion of architectural thought and art.
After graduating, I worked as an architect but took a break from my career to focus on my family. After 10 years, I realized I had missed the continuous experience of creating, even though I excelled in my studies and architectural career. At that point, I decided to bring my art to life in a new form — through jewellery.
AO: How did this turning point come about?
SW: One day, I received some amber stones as a gift and created a silver design using them. My friends and family greatly admired my design, and I received so much encouragement that it inspired me to continue designing jewellery.
AO: Did you further cement your journey with formal studies in jewellery design?
SW: Yes, at the beginning of my career, I took several training courses, including one focused on gemstones, which also explored their energy properties. I began reading more about different types of stones. I also joined a training course with jewellery designer Azza Fahmy, in collaboration with a school in Italy, to learn the arts and techniques of the craft. Additionally, I received training at the London Academy of Jewellery in England.
AO: What inspired you to draw from Egyptian heritage in your designs?
SW: I have always loved history and wanted to reflect that love in my jewellery designs. I ensure my designs are inspired by Egyptian heritage but with a modern twist. I launched a collection named Ancient Egyptian, which includes designs inspired by various Egyptian traditions — Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Alexandrian, rural, Nubian, and others.
AO: Did you face challenges or difficulties during your jewellery-making journey?
SW: For me, the challenges were mostly related to finding someone who could execute my designs with the required quality and, most importantly, understand my creative vision. Since all my designs are handmade, that understanding is key.
There is also the challenge of how foreigners perceive Egyptian culture. They often view it through a more modern lens in my designs. I do not just focus on the ancient Egyptian or Pharaonic periods in my work; I also draw from other historical periods. I always emphasize that Egyptian culture is not one singular culture but a blend of multiple influences that have merged over time.
AO: Do you have any new designs that will be released for Mother's Day?
SW: I do not have any new designs specifically for Mother’s Day, but customers often prefer to choose designs that would suit their mothers and match their tastes, regardless of when the pieces are released.
AO: Are you working on any particular design ideas to release soon?
SW: Yes, I am preparing a collection inspired by ancient Egypt and the various civilizations that have passed through Egypt, but with a fresh perspective.
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