The global phenomenon of semi-precious stone costume jewellery has made women happy by making them feel exclusive; and made men happy by lifting the burden of precious stone jewellery off their wallets.
In Egypt the market is huge. There is such high demand that both established and new designers are coming up with fabulous, innovative jewellery appealing to a very large age bracket, from women in their twenties and upwards.
But as economics has taught us, the higher the demand, the higher the prices.
The good news is that all the components are available – stones and craftsmanship – and so can be done by anyone at more reasonable prices.
First step is to head to Khan El-Khalili on a semi-precious stone scavenger hunt. You can buy stones by the strand, but it is cheaper to buy singles. Be prepared to pull up your sleeves, get down on your knees, and look through the huge bowls filled with agate, onyx, lapis lazuli, coral, topaz, amber turquoise, aquamarine, quartz and more.
The price range is equally wide, but average quality pearls, or instance can cost LE 50 per strand. Other stones are much cheaper.
How to find the right store in the maze of that ancient market is a little tricky. Ask for a street called El Salheya and once you’re there, look around for shops called Haseeb, Essam Rashad or El Dahshoury, the most famous ones in the area. You must ask, though since the shops don’t have name plaques on them.
Most of Egyptian designers who sell their jewellery for thousands buy their materials from these Khan shops.
Next up is finding a craftsman who can set the stones in silver or gold and attach a clasp. Many of the shops that sell the beads could actually make it for you, especially if you want simple strands. For more complicated designs they can recommend a craftsman. And if you have a design in mind or from a magazine cutting, he will very likely be able to produce it exactly the way you imagined.
A necklace can cost up to LE 200 if it requires lots of silver work, beading and a clasp. A simple design with layers of beads can cost a total LE 100 including the stones if you use cheaper options like onyx.
Earrings and bracelets cost even less since they are lighter.
Time to make your own jewellery for every occasion, and with a smaller budget. And when the compliments come flooding in, you can now say “It’s my design.
