Introducing Nakhla
A Jewelry Brand That Has Stood The Test Of Time
With more than 3 decades of artful craftsmanship Nakhla has earned its place in the jewelry arena as one of the region’s most coveted jewelry brands. Today it is celebrating over 35 years of success since the opening of their showroom in central Cairo. Their creations, each with its very own story, are often passed down from generation to generation standing the test of time. With a devoted clientele spanning various age groups and cultures, Nakhla has stayed true to its authenticity and uniqueness, becoming a valuable addition to many women’s jewelry collections.
The Story
Like all tales of art and accomplishment, Ikram Nakhla’s began with simple passion and a speckle of good fortune. His story begins as a footnote to another Mme. Naguib Boutros-Ghali, or Tante Anna to those who have had the privilege of knowing her. She was known for designing Old World-inspired jewelry for charity. In 1964, Ikram was 22 and still in university, studying chemical engineering to appease his father. By then, he had decided to realize his dream of becoming a jewelry designer. This was unheard of for a man in Egypt at the time. His first few sketches revisited Tante Anna’s embrace of centuries-old designs and updated it with his own contemporary forms and lines, instantly impressing his mentor.
A few years later he would meet his lifelong partner, a client named Laila Neamatalla, whose keen eye for unexpected color combinations and far-reaching social network would inspire Nakhla’s growth both as a designer and a brand. They quickly began sketching together and were engaged a year later. Once married, they were hosting their burgeoning local and international client base out of their own home. The first and only Nakhla shop finally opened along the banks of the river Nile in 1983. It still stands in its original location today.
The Family
Today, Malak Nakhla their daughter is co-creating with her father their annual collections. Malak’s engagement has brought to their jewelry line primacy in the world of contemporary jewelry design. Ingy Magar, his daughter in law, works with Ikram on the management side of the enterprise. Her engagement today has propelled the international outreach of the brand.
The Jewelry
Staying true to the country where the brand was founded, Nakhla recounts Egyptian history through its designs and adopts motifs and symbols associated to past civilizations from the Pharaonic, to the Greco-Roman and Islamic civilizations in its designs. With sources of inspiration from Egypt’s architecture and eye-catching textiles and fabrics, Nakhla’s one-of-a-kind pieces are hand crafted using 21 carats gold; often times incrusted with rich stones.
Only two hundred exceptionally one of a kind pieces are produced every year. If you’re looking for a truly personalized piece, all of Nakhla’s fine jewelry is meticulously handmade. Never losing its value, Nakhla’s jewelry is truly unique in design and empowers whoever it’s worn by. The pieces are collectables that will certainly add substantial value to any existing jewelry collection.
Making its debut in Dubai, Nakhla will be hosting an exclusive preview of the latest timeless collection on May 8 and 9and The Four Seasons DIFC from 10- 6pm.
All prices are available upon request.
Nakhla
Website: nakhlajewelry.com
Instagram: @nakhlaofficial
Leave a Reply