Christine Bekaert: Jewellery from the Silk Road
Christine Bekaert’s jewellery collections draw deep inspiration from the storied history of the Silk Roads, a journey that weaves through diverse cultures, religions, and epochs.
Each piece in her collection tells a unique story—evoking the mysteries of distant lands, the allure of the ocean’s depths, the grandeur of Byzantine Emperors, the poetry of Persia, the power of legendary queens, the secrets of deserts, and the fragrances of exotic spices. These tales trace back thousands of years to the lands between the Tigris and Euphrates, the very cradle of civilisation.
Image and image above: Christine Bekaert Jewellery, Silk Road Collection.
The Belgian designer, Christine Bekaert, is not only a creator but an art historian with a profound appreciation for the beauty of craftsmanship.
In her Jaipur workshops, every piece is meticulously handcrafted using natural semi-precious and precious gemstones.
Christine’s journey in design began during her time at Sotheby’s London, where she developed a passion for antique fabrics, which she continues to collect during auctions and travels.
India has opened new horizons for Christine, particularly in the realm of textiles. When she is not in her Jaipur jewellery workshop, she immerses herself in the rich traditions of Indian fabric craftsmanship, exploring embroidery studios, block printing artisans, weavers, and dyers from different regions, each with its own unique textile heritage.
Each piece in her collection tells a unique story—evoking the mysteries of distant lands, the allure of the ocean’s depths, the grandeur of Byzantine Emperors, the poetry of Persia, the power of legendary queens, the secrets of deserts, and the fragrances of exotic spices. These tales trace back thousands of years to the lands between the Tigris and Euphrates, the very cradle of civilisation.
The Belgian designer, Christine Bekaert, is not only a creator but an art historian with a profound appreciation for the beauty of craftsmanship.
In her Jaipur workshops, every piece is meticulously handcrafted using natural semi-precious and precious gemstones.
Christine’s journey in design began during her time at Sotheby’s London, where she developed a passion for antique fabrics, which she continues to collect during auctions and travels.
India has opened new horizons for Christine, particularly in the realm of textiles. When she is not in her Jaipur jewellery workshop, she immerses herself in the rich traditions of Indian fabric craftsmanship, exploring embroidery studios, block printing artisans, weavers, and dyers from different regions, each with its own unique textile heritage.
Image: Christine Bekaert Jewellery, Moringa Bracelet.
Sometimes, these traditional fabric crafts inspire her jewellery, as seen in her latest Suzani collection. This line draws from the hand-embroidered panels of Uzbekistan, traditionally part of a dowry, symbolising the union of two families. Embroidered with symbols of good luck, health, and prosperity, such as pomegranates for fertility and abundance, chilli peppers for protection, and poppies and cornflowers representing daughters and sons, Christine has translated these motifs into exquisite earrings, rings, and bracelets.
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www.christinebekaert.com