At Buro247 Middle East, we are committed to showcasing and celebrating the extraordinary talent in the Arab world. With our column, #BuroSpotlights, we bring you stories of pioneering artists, innovative designers, tech trailblazers, cinematic visionaries, sports stars, and more.
This week, #BuroSpotlights Libyan designers Mariam and Dania Sawedeg.
For anyone craving jewelry with a story and an edge, Kamushki is the brand you’ll want to know. Helmed by Mariam and Dania Sawedeg, two Libyan sisters raised in Switzerland, Kamushki jewelry is where tradition meets a cosmopolitan spirit, offering up pieces that harbor deep meaning in their aesthetic cuts and designs. From Zurich to Dubai to Tripoli, the Sawedeg sisters’ globetrotting childhood brought them face-to-face with cultures that influence every design, imbuing Kamushki with a perspective that’s fresh, modern, and globally-minded.
The brand name itself, “Kamushki,” meaning “precious stones” in Russian, captures their story. It speaks to the sisters’ connection with the world around them and their commitment to transforming memories into wearable art. At Kamushki, jewelry is about telling a story.
Kamushki’s origins are steeped in adventure and heritage. After studying at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America in London, Mariam honed her design skills, taking charge of Kamushki’s distinct creative direction. Dania, with a degree in media and communications, has an uncanny knack for capturing trends and knowing what resonates, a combination that’s kept Kamushki’s designs firmly on the pulse. Together, they’ve created a brand that doesn’t just make jewelry—it makes statements.
The Kamushki signature motif, the fishbone, is a nod to their Libyan heritage, symbolizing protection and positivity. It’sthis blend of cultural depth and modern style that gives the brand its appeal, honoring tradition while adding a twist that feels right at home in the fashion-forward circles of Dubai. For Mariam and Dania, Kamushki is a dream realized, but it’s also a tribute to their mother and their time exploring the rich souks of Asia, where their fascination with fine jewelry was first sparked.
ALSO READ: RED CARPET LOOKS FROM THE LACMA ART + FILM GALA 2024 THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION.