BY THE ALIMOCHE TEAM
24 NOVEMBER 2022
The Jeweller T is an independent designer specialising in custom and Egyptian/African inspired designs. In Alimoche's debut interview with Natasha, we discuss the upcoming forecasted Egyptian Revival Revival, her design inspirations, the story behind the business and the role of jewellery as a neverending talismanic motif through time.
traditional talismans meet modern design, all handcrafted since 2018.
Alimoche: What inspired you to set up your business?
The Jeweller T: I was inspired to set up my business after creating a few Egyptian inspired jewellery pieces for myself and other people loved them as much as myself. I've always had a love of Egypt and Jewellery but couldn't find many places to buy the type of jewellery I liked so I started making!
Alimoche: What are your main challenges in designing new pieces?
The Jeweller T: My main challenges creating new pieces has been finding the best materials to transfer designs on to. There is a lot of trial and error!
Alimoche: What has been your most custom piece to make?
The Jeweller T: My most custom piece to make......I have so much variance in custom pieces people have asked for, including drilling crystals, working with wood, hand engraving on to metals I find it hard to answer this one as so many come to mind! I did find it a bit of an adjustment working with crystals and beads. I made some beaded chakra waist bands for a lovely Customer.
Glimmering crystals and ornate wirework are mainstays in the catalogue.
Alimoche: Tell us your thoughts on sustainability in jewellery design?
The Jeweller T: I like working with Materials that can be re-worked and re-used. Tarnish Free, long lasting and high quality materials!
Alimoche: How has vintage Egyptian Revival jewellery inspired your brand?
The Jeweller T: Vintage Egyptian Revival Jewellery has always and continuously inspires my brand as I like to add a more modern touch to vintage classics. I appreciate the beauty and uniqueness in the originality of timeless vintage pieces.
Alimoche: Tell us your thoughts on the Egyptian Revival Revival?
The Jeweller T: I love that there is an ever growing increase in interest in The History of Egypt, whether it is the pyramids, mummies, insight into the culture. I had always loved Egyptian History since first learning about it in primary school. I feel that during the lockdown, that period of time gave people a lot of time to slow down, look into subjects perhaps they never quite did before and have learnt more about the history of Africa and Egyptian History as I noticed a bigger increase in sales during that time!
From depictions of ancient queens to ancient gods, these motifs have transcended the test of time.
Alimoche: What empowers you as a brand owner?
The Jeweller T: Customers are at the forefront of my business and keep me going. Receiving amazing feedback or compliments on my jewellery or service empowers and motivates me to keep going. Also, the fact that I am a 1 Woman show- from designing, making, marketing, social media, customer service, posting and delivery means the feedback I receive is always personal to me and helps me to make my business the best I can!
Alimoche: Why did you choose the name The Jeweller T?
The Jeweller T: In all honesty I wish I took more time to make a more meaningful name. I never intended on becoming a business but the demand increased in the 1st 2 months of making jewellery to make them available to everyone else and I was invited to exhibit at a few events and create an Etsy page where I would need a name for branding. The T stands for Tasha (my 1st name is Natasha) and many of my friends call me T or Tasha only Natasha when I'm naughty- lol!
Alimoche: What are the main challenges of working with fine jewellery/metalwork?
The Jeweller T: I work from home and have spare bedroom I have transformed into a mini workshop, but I am still limited to equipment I can have at home due to size, noise etc, so that is a big challenge concerning working with fine jewellery and metalwork.
Alimoche: Does Egypt/Africa hold any personal significance to you?
The Jeweller T: As I mentioned previously my love for Egypt began at a very young age and I have always held it dear to my heart .Africa is seen and known as 'The Motherland' which adds more meaning and purpose to what I do and create to represent all areas of Africa not just Egypt. I travelled to Egypt and had the best cultural experience I've ever encountered, and feel so blessed to have touched the same land as the previous Kings and queens I base my jewellery around.
"The Motherland" is represented through a myriad of tarnish-free high-quality handcrafted finery.
Alimoche: How can your brand's products help decolonise fashion?
The Jeweller T: I love that my brand represents a Nation as a whole (Africa) yet individualises the location and history of an era. (Egyptian Dynasty). I feel by providing the knowledge behind my jewellery, what it means and represents, I can help decolonise fashion and I have definitely seen more awareness of the culture through fashion! It's beautiful to see.
Alimoche: What are your favourite historical jewellery pieces, and how have you incorporated them into your own designs?
The Jeweller T: Some of my most favourite historical pieces which I incorporate into my designs are the meaningful Ankh symbol which represents eternal life and carried as a tool of protection, the Nefertiti bust which has generated a lot of controversy over the years of how she is actually represented in looks-questions of authenticity and accuracy however seeing the bust in person is so beautiful! Most of the common symbols such as the Eye of Horus/Eye of Ra I love to use as they each hold different meaning and power so I give an option of multifaceted representations in my designs.
Alimoche: What are your own personal good luck charms/talismans?
The Jeweller T: My personal favourites in terms of good luck charms/talismans are the Ankh and Eye of Horus. Ankh because of its meaning and reference to eternal life and energy and Eye of horus because of its reference to the moon (I'm fascinated by the moon and its energy) and its reference to protective powers.
I have a tattoo that represents both and inspired one of my designs:
The Jeweller T is the first of many brands within the Alimoche Family! The store is featured via the link here: The Jeweller T. The one-stop trove of regalia for the modern pharaoh!
Special thanks to Natasha from the Jeweller T- we are so proud to welcome you to the Alimoche Family!
Image credit: Natasha (The Jeweller T).
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