Defined by truly timeless design, masterful craftsmanship and a single vision that draws from its founders’ rich Jordanian cultural heritage, Elham & Issa jewellery is truly a unique thing to behold.
Husband and wife team Issa Sabeh and Elham Kalaji aim to reflect not only their mutual love for each other, but the passion they feel for their art, as well as their deep-rooted ties with their home country.
From the brand’s emergence in 2007, their contemporary yet classic signature style – an alluring combination of precious stones, semi-precious stones and 18k gold – has taken inspiration from Jordan and its longstanding history of traditional craftsmanship. The brand only uses 18k gold sourced from respected local suppliers.
A true partnership, Elham works with pencils, pastels and coloured inks to produce stunning sketches of her designs, while Issa visits all suppliers personally to ensure the quality of each stone used. Once he sees a stone he likes, he returns to Elham with a selection so that she can begin the creative design process.
Elham graduated in the UK from the Kent Institute of Art and Design with a BA (Hons) in goldsmithing and silversmithing, before returning to Jordan to work for a boutique jeweller. Eventually she decided to leave the role to create her own fine jewellery line.
Queen Rania of Jordan wearing Elham&Issa jewellery
Elham met Issa when he interviewed her for a designer role. With more than 30 years of knowledge and experience, Issa discovered his passion for jewellery as a young boy. His fascination with turning simple metals into intricate artworks led him from a summer job in a workshop in Jordan, and then to joining the same company where he trained as a goldsmith.
Elham & Issa now employ 17 highly skilled craftspeople in a workshop close to their Amman boutique. Such is the devotion to detail and to their clients, they meticulously check each finished piece to make sure the polish and setting are up to their standards.
To view more of Elham & Issa’s inspiring designs head to www.elhamandissa.com .
Written by Thea Carley
