Crafted in honor of Ramadan 2024, jewelry house Tanishq‘s Gift of Rifa collection serves as a celebration of Middle Eastern beauty and heritage.
Zainab Al-Eqabi. Photo: Courtesy Tanishq
Comprising of gold and diamond jewelry inspired by the eight gates of paradise — known as jannah in Islamic tradition — the collection is more than beautiful; it’s deeply symbolic, and highlights Tanishq’s intricate craftsmanship via its filigree and lace-inspired details, pearl accents, and vintage gold detailing. The Gift of Rifa collection also features flexible bracelets and eight-point star elements, along with rings dotted with vibrant colored stones — think emeralds, tzavorites, rubies and tourmalines.
Adding to the Ramadan-inspired collection are a series of thoughtfully crafted pieces, such as the special amulet known as the taveez, removable jacket earrings, and creations that look to the cultural significance of henna during Eid. Detachable and convertable pendants also add a practical element to the complete line.
To embody the spirit of Tanishq’s Gift of Rifa collection, the much-loved brand looked to two inspiring women from the region to spotlight its unique message: pharmacist-turned-athlete and TV presenter Zainab Al-Eqabi, and influencer, changemaker and activist Amal Ahmed. Below, Beate Steinfeld, head of trend and design at Tanishq International, takes us through the significance of the collection, and the women representing it.
Photo: Courtesy Tanishq
This month, Tanishq launched the ‘Gift of Rifa’ collection for Ramadan. Can you tell us what inspired the name of the collection and what it means?
Rifa comes from the Arabic language meaning ‘harmony’, as the topic of our collection is the interlacing of harmony and courage. The “Gift of Rifa” is the gift of harmony and balance, which we achieve with the courage to step up for ourselves, to own our actions, our reality, and truly experience harmony with who we are and where we come from. By naming our collection “Rifa” this is what we wanted to express, paying homage to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Our jewelry is infused with a strong personal meaning and its elements evoke a timeless elegance that will stay relevant.
The collection takes inspiration from the eight-pointed star. How does this concept translate into the designs of the collection?
The central motif we picked up to express our concept is the “Rub- El -Hizb” – the eight-pointed star created by two interlacing squares. It’s a motif deeply related to Arabic art and culture, as well as holding significance in all parts of the world. In our case, the interlacing squares express the two values of harmony and courage as both go hand-in-hand. It is a union of timeless geometrical symmetry and serves as the cornerstone of our design philosophy for the Gift of Rifa collection. Each piece is intricately crafted to reflect the themes of faith, courage, harmony, and balance, drawing inspiration from the symbolism associated with this star. Our eight-pointed star collection adds to your personal journey and encourages you to bring the gift of harmony into the lives of your loved ones.
Photo: Courtesy Tanishq
The Gift of Rifa collection is versatile thanks to its convertible designs. Can you highlight some of the best examples of this?
One of the standout features of the Gift of Rifa collection is its versatility, thanks to innovative convertible designs. For instance, our convertible pendants seamlessly transform into neckwear – a complete and astonishing transformation which gives you to very distinct different looks in one jewelry piece. It offers the wearer a versatile accessory that can transition effortlessly from day to night. Additionally, we have in our collection neckwear with detachable pendants, allowing you to mix-and-match and express your unique style and preferences. These convertible designs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the jewelry, but also provide practicality and flexibility for diverse occasions and outfits.
Tell us a little bit about the process of conceptualizing and bringing the Gift of Rifa collection to life. How did you go about making the designs? How long did it take to create the pieces?
The conceptualization and creation of the Gift of Rifa collection were deeply rooted in a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural sensitivity. Our design team drew inspiration from the Arabic cultural identity – “khatim – Sulayaman”, as well as from traditional Islamic art and architecture, to develop a cohesive narrative for the collection. This involved extensive research, sketching, and jewelry development to ensure that each piece resonated with the themes of faith, beauty, and harmony.
The actual creation of the pieces involved a meticulous process that combined modern technology with traditional craftsmanship – again you can say two ‘interlacing squares’ that blend harmoniously. From sourcing the finest materials to refining intricate details, our artisans spared no effort in bringing the designs to life. While the exact timeline for creating the collection may vary depending on factors such as complexity and scale, it typically takes many months from initial concept to final production. It allows us to ensure the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in every piece.
Amal Ahmed. Photo: Courtesy Tanishq
The Gift of Rifa campaign sees Zainab Al Eqabi and Amal Ahmed, both people of determination, at the forefront. How would you say these women embody the spirit of the Tanishq woman?
Zainab Al Eqabi and Amal Ahmed epitomize the spirit of the Tanishq woman through their resilience, determination, and commitment to empowerment. As individuals who have overcome challenges and embraced their unique identities, they embody the values of strength, grace, and authenticity that define our brand. By featuring these remarkable women in our Gift of Rifa campaign, we celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the beauty of individuality. Their stories inspire us to embrace our inner strength, pursue our passions, and shine brightly, just like the radiant jewels of the Gift of Rifa collection.
Lastly, what, according to you, makes the Middle Eastern buyer special to Tanishq?
The Middle Eastern buyer holds a special place in the heart of Tanishq due to their appreciation for craftsmanship, tradition, and luxury. Our jewelry resonates with Middle Eastern buyers because it combines timeless elegance with contemporary design, offering pieces that are both culturally relevant and globally inspired. Moreover, our commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with the discerning tastes and expectations of Middle Eastern buyers. Whether it’s celebrating cultural milestones, expressing personal style, or cherishing moments, Tanishq jewelry serves as a symbol of beauty, sophistication, and enduring elegance for the Middle Eastern buyer.
