Not just prayer beads — they are pieces of art

Tasneem Anwar Ishqi’s love for jewels with symbols and meanings was well-known from her childhood. Today, through practice and perseverance, she has earned a name for herself in the Kingdom’s jewelry designing industry. She developed a new concept in the world of jewelry that represents unique prayer beads in different colors and with meanings.
Though Tasneem studied French translation at King Abdulaziz University, designing was a hobby that gradually grew into an inspiring project.
Arab News met with the Saudi designer to find out more about her brand and designs of her tasbeeh (prayer) beads.

How was your beginning in the field of jewelry designing?
I had a passion for jewelry designing from a very young age. I used to take the prayer beads, break it down into small pieces and put it back again with the addition of other materials from different countries. In the end, it would become one beautiful masterpiece with a spiritual meaning. When I finished designing, I gave it away to my family and friends, I never sold it because I couldn’t sell my feelings. It’s value is more expensive than the piece itself.
Later on when I accepted the idea of sharing my religion and feelings, I was convinced to offer my designs for sale, to deliver my feelings to people. It is impossible to repeat my designs or make similar ones.

What is your goal behind merging gems and beads?
The culture of tasbeeh beads is widely spread in the Arab community. People carry them for beauty purposes. My prayer beads give people the opportunity to do dhikr even as they collect these pieces of art.

What are the difficulties you faced in your job?
Difficulty, this term does not exist in my intellectual dictionary. Life requires challenges, working hard and perseverance, and that is what my religion, family and my dear husband have taught me.

What are the materials you use in your designs?
Silver, gold, semi precious stones and gems. Also, anything natural, such as wood and silk.

How should women maintain their jewels to use them for as long as possible?
For prayer beads, accessories or other pieces of jewelry, the most important thing is to not expose them to perfumes or makeup. Jewelry must be the last thing to wear and the first thing to take off. Properly storing beads, accessories and jewelry is very essential to keep them in a good condition. And the best way to do so is to return them back to their original box that they came with because these boxes are usually designed especially for them, to keep them from folding and twisting. Also, jewels should not be exposed to high temperatures and should be kept away from light.

Is the length of the rosary beads determined by certain standards?
The length of the rosary beads differs according to the size and number. However, the main numbers are 11, 33, 45 and 99. There are other sizes but they are less common. Most of my designs comprise 33 or 99 beads.

What is the source of your inspiration?
Anything can inspire me, the places I visit, the people I meet, nature and other countries’ cultures. Sometimes my mood inspires me and I translate that into jewels.

In your opinion, what makes your designs stand out?
While designing any piece, I let my love and sense of the piece contain it. I also make sure that the design is outstanding according to my taste and I rarely remake the same pieces.

Are there any public figures you aspire to design jewels for?
Not at all. I would like to make a request to women through Arab News. I wish they do not buy any of my pieces just because they are beautiful. I want them to feel it because it is a piece of my heart and I advise everyone who possesses a piece of my designs to use it for dhikr, to achieve the goal it was made for.

Is there a certain collection or a design that is the closest to your heart?
Of course not. All my designs carry my feelings and all of them are close to my heart.

Tell us about the new collection.
As for the latest collection, it is dedicated to men. It comprises prayer beads with colors suited for men and made of silver and gemstones.

Finally, what are your favorite colors in jewels?
I love all colors, especially black.
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