Redefining Omani jewellery as wearable identity

In Oman’s evolving contemporary art scene, visual artist and jewellery designer Afrah bint Nasser bin Abdullah al Ishaqiyah is redefining the way jewelry is perceived — not merely as adornment, but as a vessel of memory, identity and emotion.
A graduate of the University of Nizwa’s Fine Arts programme, specialising in Jewellery and Accessory Design — the only one of its kind in Oman — Afrah is also a lecturer at the university’s Handicrafts Arts Pavilion and a member of the Arab Council for Creativity and Innovation.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she notes, “My studies were not just an academic curriculum. They were a space to discover my artistic self and refine my aesthetic vision”.

For Afrah, each piece of jewellery becomes a dialogue between the designer and the wearer. “I found in jewellery a means of expressing identity, emotion and subtle details that may not be seen, but are deeply felt”, she says. Her designs carry the essence of Oman’s culture while embracing modern aesthetics, blending nostalgia and contemporary elegance in equal measure.

Her creative process is rooted in visual art principles — composition, balance, space and colour gradation — allowing her jewellery to function as miniature extensions of fine art. Nature, personal experience and Omani heritage deeply inform her work.
Palm trees symbolising resilience, desert sands telling stories of time and old wooden doors preserving ancestral memory frequently appear in her designs, along with geometric patterns representing continuity and inner balance.

Afrah channels these inspirations into her brand, 'Jewelara', which she founded with an artistic vision rather than commercial ambition. “Jewelara is more than a business”, she explains. “It is a unique artistic piece that carries a lasting imprint and an authentic Omani soul”.
Early in her career, establishing a presence in a competitive field while preserving cultural identity was challenging. Yet, clarity of vision, continuous skill development and family support helped her overcome obstacles.

A defining moment came when she received Oman’s 'Best jewellery Designer' award, a recognition she describes as transformative: “It was a true validation of my ability to skillfully merge Omani heritage with contemporary innovation”.
Looking ahead, Afrah sees a bright future for artistic jewellery in Oman, particularly with the emergence of young female designers. “They bring fresh perspectives, contemporary spirit and the ability to compete locally and globally”, she says.

At the heart of Afrah’s work lies a simple belief: jewellery can carry stories, emotions and identity. “I want each person who wears my designs to feel they are carrying something meaningful”, she says. In her hands, jewellery becomes not just something to wear — but something to feel, remember and cherish.