My grandmother always used to say, 'Silver should be worn all the time. Silver is like a human being; if you don't pay constant attention to it, it'll feel neglected, and you'll see it sulking. It becomes upset with you, and when you look at it, you'll see it has turned black.'
"At that moment, you have to pamper it a lot so that it smiles at you again. That's what my grandma always taught me."
"She would say, 'Gently, you have to treat silver delicately. Silver is delicate.'"
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Nowruz or Farvardin and Spring Celebration is the biggest national holiday of Iranians. What makes the Nowruz Iran time more important is its solar calendar, which is exactly at the beginning of the spring year every year, but each year its start time is different from last year.
In this here, we want to introduce you to the solar calendar, how to calculate the time of year of Iranians and why the start time of the year changes every year. I also tell you the moment of delivery next year in Iran; maybe you want to celebrate that time.
The Iranian calendar is the most accurate calendar in the world. We will explain why it is the most accurate in the following sections. It is Includes 365 or 366 days (leap) in the form of 12 months.
Persian calendar and Nowruz Iran Time is used all over the world by Iranians, Afghans and Tajiks. Its start is from the record that the Prophet of Muslims, Muhammad, migrated from Mecca to Medina. That is, it was the first year.
Each year has 4 seasons called spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each season also has 3 months, which, unlike the Gregorian calendar, each season starts precisely from the beginning of the month and not from the middle of the month (for example, Nowruz Iran Time or Farvardin 1 is according to March 23). This is one of the accuracies of the Iranian calendar.
Each month has about 4 weeks and each week 7 days with the letters Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (Adineh, holiday). The beginning of each year is Frawardīn Day, 1 of the spring season.
If the Nowruz Iran Time is before noon, it is the day of Nowruz, and if the delivery of the year takes place in the afternoon, the next day is considered Nowruz or a Frawardīn.
The longest day of the year is 1 Tīr and the longest night of the year or Yalda night occurs from the evening of 30 Azar to the sunrise on 1 Dey (December 21). The size of the months of the first half of the year is 31 days and the months of the second half of the year are 30 days.
Contrary to the Gregorian calendar, the time of delivery of the year in the solar Hijri calendar is not midnight, but it is calculated more accurately, and according to the exact time, a rotation around the sun is calculated.
For this reason, the Nowruz Iran Time occurs at different times of the day, and one day can be both the 30th of Esfand and the 1st of Farvardin.
because we have considered 24 hours a day, after a few years, some of these days together can become 24 hours and become one day, and they add it to the end of the year and end the year with 366 days.
The leap year usually occurs once every four years. In leap years, March is 30 days, and in other years, March is 29 days. The 1395 and 1399 solar Hijri were leaping years. 1403 and 1408 solar Hijri are also leaping years.
The Jalali calendar is the most accurate in the world, according to researchers and astronomers. Compared to the European calendar, which has one day error every 2,500 years, the Jalali calendar has one second error every 10,000 years.
To further explain why the Iranian calendar or Nowruz Iran Time is the most accurate time and calendar in the world, we can say that in the Iranian or Jalali calendar, spring and summer are 93 days, autumn has 90 days, and winter is 89 days because every first The regular season is precisely equal to the beginning of the actual season.
The year calculated by the glorious calendar, unlike the Gregorian year, which differs from the exact year by nearly three days in every 10,000 years, is always following the natural year and never lags behind it.
Starting time for 1403 occurs at 06 :36 AM on Wendsday Farvardin 1th in Iran, so it will be 11:06 PM on Tuesday March 19 in Toronto.
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Have you ever wanted to buy jewelry such as a ring or necklace for yourself or your girlfriend, but you did not know the exact Jewelry Sizing of your desired size?
Well, before you buy Jewelry like a ring, you have to observance certain conditions. Then after you have done the requirements, you can safely go to the market and buy it. Here, we will explain these conditions to you.
We also explain the difference between Jewelry Sizing in Iran and the Americas and Europe.
The first method by which the inner circumference of the ring can be found and is widely used in Iran is to determine the size of the ring using paper tape or thread and a ruler:
To do this, wrap the paper tape or thread around the finger you want to measure its size, as shown below so that it is not too tight or loose around the finger. Do not forget that the tape or thread should be placed under the knuckle.
Mark the junction of the two ends of the tape with the Marker. Then, open the tape or thread and measure the length of the marked part in millimeters with a ruler. This is a home method for Jewelry Sizing.
Using the obtained length and referring to the table below, you can get your finger size. For example, if the circumference of your finger was 54 mm, the corresponding number is 7 in North America measurement.
In Iran, Jewelry Sizing is used according to the standards of Europe, specially France.
so based on below table, if you have already your sizing based on your previous jewelry ordering in Iran ,you can find your size in North America standard very easily.
For example if your ring size is 54 based on Iran( France) standard so your ring size should be 6.5 based on North America Standard.
By using above convertor you can find your ring size in other different countries' standard as well.
Sizing of the neck is easy, and you only need one plastic meter (sewing meter) to do it. To do this, you must wrap the meter around your neck.
The meter must be parallel to the ground to get the size accurately. Then, whatever size it is, match it with the standard number shown below and buy the necklace you want.
Fortunately , necklace sizes are similar all around the world and it is categorize in 10 size. As you can see in the picture, the smallest size starts at 14 inches, which is equivalent to 36 centimeters, and the largest is 39 inches, which is equal to 100 centimeters.
If you want to buy jewelry like a ring, Measure your fingers in the afternoon. Finger size usually changes with temperature. The fingers expand in the heat and contract in the cold.
It is better to Jewelry Sizing of your finger in the heat and at the end of the day because the fingers are at their largest size.
Repeat the measurement several times. The ring should be easy to place on the finger and not put any pressure on it. At the same time, the ring should not be too loose to be easily lost.
To get the most accurate finger size, it is best to repeat the measurement several times. This saves extra time and money on resizing the ring.
]]>Abchehregan is borrowed from fairies (Paris) found in enchanting Persian legends: those nymph-like creatures who enter the myths with a jug in their hands, gazing at their own reflections while sitting by the springs or deep inside water wells. Abchehregan is no different from Vedic Apsaras in ancient Indian literature. Female creatures made of water and wandering in rivers and lakes.
Mythological Connections
Both Abchehregan and Apsaras have the same function and role and come from a rare, essential, and complete unity with water. Persian Peri (fairy) and Indian Apsara come from among those fertility goddesses who ascend from the very ancient mother goddess herself. Their graciousness, nobility, and aquatic form emerge from a pre-Zoroastrian era when these sibling nations (Persia and India) shared a landmass and a common clime.
In the long run, Peris and Apsaras fade away and vanish altogether. Peri ascends to paradise and Apsara returns to heavens. The reason for this leave-taking is that a secret, arising from their extraterrestrial wisdom, is unlocked and revealed. Such revelation exposes their godlike and divine mystery and sanctum to the eyes of mortal humans. However, the mortals cannot take on or bear the prudence and patience of that secret.
Abchehregan and Anahita
Vedic Apsaras and Peris who are their successors are maids related to the Persian Ardevi Sura Anahita (Bagh Banou or Bidokht: daughter of God), who is the goddess of waters in the lands of Persia. Tracing the etymological roots of words such as Peri and Apsara sets up an encrypted labyrinth of allusions and enigmas that calls for symbolic and allegorical concepts on the subject of worshipping Anahita and the purity and spirituality of water.
Abchehregan in this Jewelry Collection
The bond between Anahita and Apsara brings forth fertility, greenness, productiveness, and abundance. All these qualities have come together in the present collection of silver jewelry inspired by mythological figures and a combination of images and symbols of Peris and Apsaras. These include Pomegranate and its branch (Barsam) that symbolizes fruitfulness, lushness and wealth, as well as fish who swim
Home to different groups of people, Iran is a multicultural society with a wide variety of costumes and clothes. Iranian traditional dresses are unique and vary from region to region, each area boasting fabrics with different patterns and colors. Iranian dresses with different jewelry, worn by both men and women from north to south and west to east, represent and reflect the beliefs, culture, and traditions of these ethnic groups.
Now, let us have a closer look into the world of Iranian dresses and traditional costumes of major ethnic groups.
As regards the Kurdish style of clothing, long colorful dresses with a vest and scarf or headband is common for women as well as a beautiful piece of cloth which is used as a waistband. On the other hand, men tend to wear loose trousers, plain shirts on which they wear a coat or a vest with a large belt on the waist. mostly, they use a shawl or a narrow piece of the scarf as their belt.
Bakhtiari women generally wear a multi-layered skirt paired with a vest and a very long scarf, all colorful and eye-catching.
Men usually wear something called ‘Chuqa’ which is a coat or wrapper accompanied by long trousers and a felt hat.
Another group of people with a unique style of clothing are Turkmens. They reside in the northeast of Iran, a region that borders Turkmenistan.
Women are distinguished by wearing a red dress which is long with a round collar and the fabric changes according to the season. They also put on hats and scarves.
Men's clothing components are a long red outfit with trousers and a large woolen hat. The color red is a prominent color in this style.
People in rural areas still dress in the traditional way that is preserved for hundreds of years, whereas in metropolitan areas it is a horse of a different color. It should also be noted that due to religious beliefs, Iranian clothing is modest especially for women. However, the dress code that women should observe solely pertains to the outdoors and public places. In private gatherings, parties, and intimate environments, Iranian women’s dress code is essentially similar to that of the western countries.
In urban areas and major cities like Tehran and Isfahan, no one wears traditional dresses. It is mandatory for women to wear Manteau (long coats made of different kinds of fabrics) or, if they prefer, Chador. Iranian Women should also cover their hair, they do so by scarves, shawls, or a Hijab for head called ‘Maqnae’. Iranian male dress code, either casual or formal, is completely similar to European and American styles.....to be continued
Photo credit: Komoda.com |
Photo credit: hacoupian.com |
Imagine this: It is a cold winter night; you are sitting with your friends or family around a table full of delicious snacks. Everything is cozy and lovely; you recount memories and tell jokes. Finally, it is time to take turns reading lyric poetry and make their Yalda night wishes. No one says no to such a wonderful night, right? This is how Persians celebrate the Yalda night, the last night of autumn in the Persian calendar, which is also the longest night of the year.
Celebrating the Yalda night is one of the oldest rituals of Persian culture. For thousands of years Persian people, the royals, and the peasants alike have celebrated this night.
Back in the day when the majority of people living in Iran’s Plateau were living in an agricultural society, their lives revolved around the passage of seasons and the movement of the sun.
With the arrival of winter, it was time to hang the farming tools, take rest, and get ready for a new year, a new beginning. The word “Yalda” itself means birth and creation. It is the celebration of the last day of autumn and the first night of winter.
{Remember that the Persian calendar is ‘Shamsi’ (Solar) and is worked out on the basis of the position of the sun and the arrival of seasons. Therefore, it either corresponds to December 20, or 21 in Gregorian calendar}.
But what made people celebrate the winter solstice or the longest night of the year?
Some people believe that it all goes back to Mani and Zoroaster, two Persian prophets. In their beliefs, the forces of this world are either good or evil. The good, ‘Ahuramazda’, represented by warmth and light, and the evil ‘Ahriman’, represented by coldness and darkness, are eternally in the struggle with each other.
Thus, the longest night of the year is when the evil forces, Ahriman, are at their strongest. Sun is going to be born soon and give birth to a new year, and Ahriman wants to stop it. People stayed awake, lit fires, party, and eat fresh fruits to ward off the evil.
So, comes the first day of winter, the days start to grow longer and the nights become shorter.
The Yalda night ceremony is admired and revered among Iranians. Although there might be nuances as to how each area of Iran and each ethnic community enjoys this night, they all are united in honoring this ancient tradition.
What is more, Yalda night has influenced many aspects of Iranian art and culture. Not only Yalda has become a popular name for girls, but many also choose this night to mark the major events of their lives (getting married for example). Many Iranian artists and poets have aspired to capture the feeling and image of the Yalda night ceremony. Similarly, fashion and jewelry designers have incorporated the elements of Yalda night (especially the symbolic pomegranate fruit or calligraphic Ghazal poems) into their artistic creations.
Pomegranate earrings from Yalda Night Collection.AFRA ART GALLERY |
You cannot look into the history of fashion and the evolution of ‘beauty’ in Iran without taking makeup into consideration. Not only Persian makeup artists, but also those interested in the trends of makeup and beauty styles should know a bit more about the history of its practice in Persia (now Iran) as one of the oldest civilizations of the world.
Persians care a lot about hygiene, cleanliness, and their looks. And this is nothing new! Hygiene items, cosmetic tools, and products, as well as jewelry and beads, were discovered in several archeological sites in Iran. Some of these items date back to at least the first millennium BC
Many historic documents have fully described the skillfulness of Persian makeup artists. It is believed that royalties in the Achaemenid era had their own makeup girl or boy who spent a good amount of time on their appearances. It is evident that ancient Persians lived in a world devoid of the present stereotypes and clichés. Both men and women put on makeup, especially for their eyes. Even kings and commanders like Darius the Great. Both genders wore jewelry and could grow their hair long and adorn them with beads and other pieces of jewelry.
Since ancient Persia, it was believed that the essential makeup accessories and tools consist of 7 (Haft) Items. Therefore, the expression ‘Harf Ghalam Arayesh’ or seven items of cosmetics became a generic term in the Iranian world of makeup. It could describe artistry or be used pejoratively as too much makeup.
Remember that skin and hair products, as well as scents and perfumes, were widely used among Persians. However, these seven items were only the ‘embellishment’ products, employed for the sake of beautification.
But what are these seven pieces of cosmetics?
Sormeh: Kohl, or black eyeliner. Used for nearly 8000 years by Middle Eastern, Indian, and Egyptian people.
Ghazeh: Blusher, a reddish powder for the cheeks.
Sefidab: (literally white water), a white powder made use of as a foundation to brighten the face.
Vasmeh: Woad, a flowering fragrant plant used to dye eyebrows, or at times, the hair. Vasmeh could thicken they eyebrows, or be drawn between them to form a unibrow, as it was considered a trend in makeup.
Henna: or Nigar. Another plant with widespread application in dying: the hair, the nails, and the skin. Also, Henna temporary body arts were drawn on skin like tattoos.
Zarak: a goldish dust used to dye the hair or sometimes to glitter the face.
Khal: beauty spot. Drawn on the face with Sormeh. Mostly near the lips or the eyes.
From among these 7 items, only Sormeh and Henna are still used in their old and traditional way, though not as often. Others are replaced by modern, professional cosmetics like mascara, foundation cosmetics, etc.
Islamic beliefs and ideas, like Hijab, influenced the ways and means of wearing makeup by Persian women. This is why up until decades ago it was customary for some Persian girls not to wear makeup until the day of their marriage ceremony. In fact, putting on seven items of cosmetics was in many families considered a sign of womanhood and demonstrated a transition in the bride-to-be's life.
Preparing the bride was considered a respected, as well as exciting custom among such families. And all these practices were done in a ceremonial fashion while partying and having fun. This is how: A ceremony, like a bridal shower, was performed for the girl, attended only by women, and in the case of well-to-do families, their servants. They threaded the girl's facial hair (Band Andakhtan in Persian). Then, took her to a bath prepared with fragrances, oils, and scents. These aromatic oils were usually the essence of lavender, eucalyptus, rose, thyme, peppermint, and lemongrass. And finally, put on makeup (bazak) and adorned her hands with Henna.
Nowadays, the art of makeup has become very complex and entered other areas of art like theatre. Persian makeup artists have perfected this ancient art and become trendsetters in the world of fashion and beauty. What is more, in Persian makeup history the extensive use of jewelry is also mentioned several times, and how the two were complementary in the art of beautification. Of course, today’s Persian makeup is nothing like the old days, and people prefer lighter makeup, especially the European style.
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Many believe that Persian architecture is the greatest among Persian arts. The colorful domes, mesmerizing muqarnas, symmetrical structures, and intricate tilework make you feel like you are in a wonderland.
Let’s get to know more about Persian (Iranian) architecture and the ideas that generously contributed to the world’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Stylistically speaking, the chronicle of Persian architecture is divided into those eras that represented it, such as Razi, Khorasani, Azari, Isfahani. An easier categorization, as followed here, would be Pre-Islamic and Post-Islamic Architecture.
Did you know that bricks are a Persian architectural invention? What about underground water irrigation? All these technologies were perfected during the pre-Islamic era, mostly while Achaemenids ruled the Persian empire.
Although there are archaeological sites that point to the long history of Persian architecture, new ideas and bolder designs were introduced during the Achaemenid dynasty. They built huge terraces and halls (known as Apadana) with floral decorations and towering columns that were carved to represent mythological creatures.
Do these images sound familiar? Yes! These are the exemplary stylistic features of the great Pasargadae and Persepolis, unmatched gems in Persian architecture. Dating back to 600-300 BC, all we have now are the ruins and remains, yet they still are awe-inspiring sights that take your breath away.
Persian architecture style represents the majestic structure designs of an ancient country that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires and embraced civilizations with vibrant arts and cultures. Persian buildings, from houses to palaces, mansions, and mosques, are steeped in the history of Persia, and each has a unique story to narrate.
Best examples of Persian buildings follow a very sophisticated design that embodies mathematical and geometric bases and patterns.
These semi-circular shapes represent a connection to the heavens and are a symbol of perfection and eternity. The Mosques in Isfahan and Taj Mahal in Hindustan are fine instances of these stylistic features.
Vaulted ceilings that signify the transition from the outer part of the building to its interior, or from one geometric shape to another.
While Persian architecture is one of the most introverted ones in the world, the symmetrical structure of the houses was sure to observe this directive. The private interior part of the house (andaruni) is separated from the exterior part (biruni), where the guests or strangers would go.
Following the growth of Islam, beautiful and splendid mosques were built all around the country. Although domes were ever-present structures in Persian architecture, they became more sophisticated and sported beautiful tilework, mainly in blue, the heavenly color. Later, tall, decorated minarets and dazzling muqarnas were erected not only in mosques, but also in the royalties’ palaces, mansions, and estates.
Unity in multiplicity is a philosophical idea that has influenced the majority of Islamic buildings. Simply put, this idea suggests that everything in this universe is connected; and in every particle and portion of our reality, we can see a manifestation of the divine existence. This is one of the reasons why Islamic art and architecture boasts elaborate patterns and maximalist motifs.
Every style of Persian architecture has relied on the natural resources and the climate of the area. Environmentalist aspects of such buildings show how people respected nature. For instance, ventilation and water irrigation systems made use of natural movements of wind and water.
Persian gardens (paradise) with towering trees, fountains and pools, demonstrate the close connection between man and nature. Charbagh, for instance, is a big rectangular garden that is divided in four symmetrical gardens, separated by perpendicular waterways. Persians were the first people who practiced landscape gardening and planted lovely gardens into their desired sceneries. 9 Persian gardens are listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Although urbanization has drastically changed the Persian buildings, Persian architecture’s elements and styles have survived the tide of time. You can see the traces of Persian architecture in handicrafts like carpets, Mina Kari, and most especially in Persian Jewelry. Nowadays, jewelry designers are inspired by the geometric patterns, the tilework, mirror work, and many other great motifs.
Sample of modern Persian jewelry design inspired by old Persian window from SHams-Ol-Emareh Collection.
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Have you ever encountered one of those breathtaking Persian embroideries? Did you know that this delicate and fascinating art is steeped in history? You might have noticed the repeated patterns that embellish textiles and nowadays, jewelry. Like Van Gogh’s dynamic patterns and Monet’s waterlilies, these designs too, or as it is technically called, motifs, have a lot to say.
Now if you like to become more acquainted with this section of Persian art history, make sure you read this article.
Check out what Marco Polo once said about Persian embroidery:
“The ladies of the country and their daughters also produce exquisite needlework in the embroidery of silk stuff in different colors, with figures of beasts and birds, trees and flowers, and a variety of other patterns. They work hangings for the use of noblemen so deftly that they are marvels to see, as well as cushions, pillows, quilts, and all sorts of things.”
He was not the only one to be amazed by such artifacts. In fact, during the past centuries, Persian embroidery that thrived during the Sassanid and Safavid dynasties has determinedly influenced this art across many countries.
Now, this quote says a lot about the dominant motifs of Persian embroidery and textiles. There are four different categories as regards the ornamental motifs in Persian embroidery and Marco Polo’s keen observation sums it up pretty well!
Let’s discover them together!
The most ancient needlecraft is a saddle pad belonging to the Pazyryk. Historians believe that the beautiful stitches, that show men riding horses, were done in Persia. Such images were frequently found on Persian textiles and each area, following its inhabitants’ beliefs and customs, sewed a unique set of animals, birds, or their body parts. Interesting, isn’t it? In Baluchistan, for instance, patterns that resembled fish’s eye or bird’s feet were prevalent.
There exist lots and lots of stylized patterns in Persian art. However, whenever somebody speaks of Persian textile art and embroidery, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of Paisley (or as Persians call it, Boteh Jehgeh). This motif opens a window to an endless garden of trees, flowers, and leaves. Speaking of trees, another ancient motif is that of “the tree of life” that tells the story of creation and how everything is connected in the vast universe. Such designs either cover the whole surface of the fabric or were sewed on the borders of clothes, shawls, linens, and tablecloths. The mesmerizing labyrinth that these designs make has never lost its splendor and is identified as one of the most consistent trends since ancient times!
Just like Persian carpets, varied geometric shapes are also to be found on embroidered textiles. These consist of arabesques, diamonds, parallel lines with stitches similar to herringbone, and many others. The post-Islamic era is the time at which most of these designs were introduced. The influence of Islamic art effectively established the use of knotty and intricate geometric patterns in Persian art and fashion.
Mythical creatures, fairy-tales, and even the artistic figures born from the matchless imagination of the artists who were sewing the work comprise other recurring motifs in Persian embroidery. Legendary creatures include Simurgh (the bird of benevolence), Azhdaha (dragon), and a winged lion. However, what has caught the attention of many scholars as well as admirers of Persian embroidery is the fact that some artists used to work out subjective and personal figures: excitingly, such subjective creations were the manifestation of the embroiderer’s dreams, wishes, and fantasies. What is more, they sometimes worked out a portrait of their beloved in their embroideries.
What might sound surprising is that in some cases, handmade tribal needlecrafts that lack symmetry, or, have irregular patterns are considered to be more precious. This is so because connoisseurs believe that the artist has improvised the shapes and the work of art is the outcome of a completely creative process.
The Renaissance of Persian Embroidery
Nowadays, the use of this stunning art is not only limited to clothes and textiles. Now that more than ever the designs and delicacy of this art are appreciated, other areas of fashion and home decoration are showing increasing interest in needlecrafts. Plus, embroidered jewelry is becoming more and more popular.
Inspired by ancient Iranian motifs and at the same time being genuinely creative, modern artists are revitalizing the fine and historical art of Persian embroidery.
Persian Embroidery Earrings,you can see more from this collection in Afra Art Galery. |
Did you know that the world’s oldest pearl necklace belonged to a Persian princess? This antique piece of jewelry is now to be found in the Louvre Museums. This necklace and similar charms point to the ancient history of jewelry in Iran (formerly called Persia). Stay with us to know more about Persian jewelry, its history, designs, and motifs.
The oldest pieces of Jewelry that the archaeologists have found in sites inside Iran date back to at least 5 thousand years ago, that is, 3rd millennium BC. Fortunately, since many Persians (most especially the royal families who wore lots of charms and ornaments) were buried along with their jewelry, many of these items have been discovered in one piece. It is believed that “Shahre Sukhte” (The Burnt City) is where the earliest Persian jewelry was found.
Believe it or not, today’s YouTube influencers are not the only people who can think of easy DIY bracelets or necklaces! From times gone by, as it is exhibited in Iranian museums, basically any item could be used as a charming treasure! From sun-dried nuts to colorful stones or minerals and, as you might have guessed, seashells, many ordinary Knick-knacks were used for making trinkets.
Later, the use of gems like rubies, turquoise, and metals such as copper became more prevalent. Not only earrings, necklaces, chokers, rings, and bracelets, but also belts, helmets, veils, and shawls were now encrusted with gems.
While it is true that in the Achaemenid era, the greatest Persian civilizations and empire, various kinds of ornaments and gems were fashioned; it was not until the age of Sassanid kings that this industry flourished. The artists learned new techniques, and the designs and patterns grew to be more intricate.
This is when gold started to become a prestigious asset for the nobility. It was no longer solely used for coins; therefore, not only pieces of jewelry but also many household items were now fashioned with gold.
Pre-Islamic designs mostly involved the depiction of mythological or epic creatures. A characteristic case in point is the open-ended bracelet with Homa bird heads at each end. Homa or Huma is a huge legendary bird and the symbol of happiness and serendipity among Persian people. Others included lions, Roc (eagle-like bird), snakes, and dragons.
The Islamic movement introduced a paradigm shift in Iranian art. Most jewelry was now inscribed with holy phrases, the names of Islamic leaders, and of course verses from the Quran, the sacred text of Islam. Another significant change was that Islamic geometric patterns were now also used by Persian craft workers.
Qajar kings were all into glamorous and gaudy jewelry. After such kings, both men and women wore stylish accessories, a trend that is conspicuous in the paintings of the era. In actual fact, the craftsmanship of the jewelers and artisans of the royal court had become so sophisticated that they made a considerable impact on how jewelry was viewed throughout the world. The crown that was used to be put on the head of a newly coronated king was adorned with thousands of priceless gems like rubies, emeralds, and of course diamonds. Known as the Kiani Crown, this ultimate example of Persian jewelry is now at the Treasury of National Jewels.
Today, many Iranian artists are trying to establish a link between today’s modern trends and their country’s historical roots. Despite the huge transformation of this area of fashion throughout the years, many elements are still considered beautiful and elegant. This negotiating between tradition and modernity sometimes leads to resurfacing of old motifs, ideas, or patterns in a new medium or from an alternative perspective. One illustrating example is the way designers use the pattern of beautiful blue tiles of the Safavid era in their jewelry designs; that is to say, the exquisiteness of this Persian art has been shifted from monuments and mosques to earrings and necklaces. Or, as you might have seen, Persian calligraphy and stylish tilework have established themselves as ever-present images in Persian jewelry.
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Needlework, also known as Baluchi sewing, is an ancient artistic expression from Baluchestan, Iran mainly inspired by Baluchi women's dreams. Based on recent findings in northern Iran, this art is as old as eight thousand years. As it appears, the cattle-raising people who lived in Kamarband cave in the region would use the fleece obtained from sheep shearing to weave fabric using specific needles. This would leave the fabric filled with colorful stitches. Sewing small round mirrors onto the fabric is called mirror work. Baluchi needlework along with mirror work results in a wonderful reflection of various colors besides various motifs. The fabrics used should be cotton with big fibers and the thread used is silk.
Ghalamzani:
Engraving on metal is an ancient metal work in Iran. Engraving is, in fact, the art of carving various motifs and shapes on metals, especially copper, gold, silver, and brass with an engraving pen and hammer. Engraving on metal in Iran is as old as 17th century BC and archaeological excavations have found Hassanlu Golden Bowl which is 3200 years old. To do metal engraving, the inner side of the work is initially covered with a layer of gypsum or tar to lessen the noise resulting from hammering. This also prevents the metal from being torn while hammering. Afterward, the desired motif which is painted on a parchment paper is printed on the metal. In the next stage, the proper pen is selected to be hammered onto the surface. Once the desired shapes are created onto the metal, the metal sheet is heated to remove the tar. The engraved patterns are covered by charcoal dust and black varnish oil. Hence, hammered motifs can be seen as black lines and stand out.
Minakari:
Enamel work is an artistic expression of fire and earth. Metals (or sometimes glass and ceramic) are decorated with the mate or transparent colorful materials using fire. This art involves complex chemical reactions and is, in fact, the combination of some salt with metal oxides due to heating. This art goes as far back to five thousand years ago. A gold enamel-work bracelet (Oxus treasure) has been recovered from the Achaemenid era, which is now in London Museum. This art has very well been preserved and expressed in Iran.
Negargari
Negargari or Iranian painting (sometimes called Persian Miniature)is very well known for the bird and the flower motif. In these motifs, the bird and the flower are just like the lover and the beloved. Painting the bird and the flower is not realistic and thus the artist freely chooses the colors to create these images. The commonly seen bird-and-flower motif of today is almost five hundred years old. This design has been in use to decorate jewelry boxes, mirror frames, and tiles.
Aineh -Kari (mirror mosaics)
Ayineh-Kari is the art of performing geometric motifs by setting up the cut-out mirror pieces for interior decoration. It is often seen in the interior decoration of Iranian buildings, especially religious sites, palaces, and historic mansions. Ayineh-kari is one of the most beautiful traditional arts in Iran, which began in the Sassanid period and reached its peak during the Safavid and Qajar eras. Mirrors, which at the time had silver backing (rather than the modern mercury and tin), were expensive, imported from Europe, and would sometimes break in transit. In an effort to avoid wasting this precious material, Persian artisans began creating complex mirror mosaics that could make use of even the smallest shard. “The very space seemed on fire, the lamps blazing in hundreds of thousands of reflections, I imagined myself standing inside a many-faceted diamond and looking out at the sun.” These are the words of Monir Farmanfarmaian, a contemporary Iranian artist, who describes how she was inspired by the mirrors artwork in Shah-Cheragh building, an old Persian masque when she was young.
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1-Rub gently a few drops of fresh lemon juice with the soft cloth (just metal part of jewelry) and then rinse and dry. (you can use vinegar or tomato paste instead of lemon juice)
2- Rub with a baking soda/water paste and a soft toothbrush
3-Use a silver polishing cloth or chemical polishing liquid.
We suggest following recommendation to keep your brass jewelry shiny:
The best is to take off your jewelry for taking shower, going swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Avoid perfume and lotion.
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Buying gifts when you want to impress a Persian girl, can be stressful. There’s a fear of getting the wrong thing, something that sends a bad message in her culture, or just is something your girlfriend isn't interested in but will pretend to like just for you. It would be helpful if you have some information about Iranian culture as well as Iranian fashion to choose the right gift.
Here we introduce some iconic symbol of Iranian Culture and also some Persian style which now are very trendy and stylish.
1.Pomegranate
One of the most popular Iranian symbols is pomegranate. The pomegranate is a symbol of immortality and blessing. It is also known as a symbol of love because of its red color. It is also an iconic symbol for Yalda Night, the longest night of the year that Iranians celebrate the overcoming of light on darkness. In modern Persian jewelry designing, this symbol has been used in various forms, for different taste.
Continue on to the next blog
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