In this episode of Modern Nomads, we dive deep into the world of Kazakh jewellery, uncovering its hidden gems. We explore how contemporary jewellers strike a brilliant balance between traditional ornaments and modern fashion trends, transforming their artistry into a thriving business.
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00:00Kazakh jewelry is deeply rooted in nomadic culture.
00:07Today, Kazakh designers are reimagining this ancient craft to create stunning pieces of wearable art.
00:17Kazakh jewelry tells a story of tradition, spirituality and identity.
00:21A legacy that's taken centuries to shape.
00:24Welcome to Modern Nomads.
00:30We can trace the origin of Kazakh jewelry back to the Stone Age.
00:34Since then, it has not only been worn decoratively by both the men and women of nomadic tribes,
00:40but it has also served as a symbol of their social, economic and spiritual status.
00:47The National Museum in the country's capital Astana is home to some of the finest examples of these rich traditions.
01:00There is no such thing as a family heirloom.
01:04It was a gift from our ancestors.
01:07That's why it's so valuable.
01:09It's a gift from our ancestors.
01:12It's a gift from our ancestors.
01:14It's a gift from our ancestors.
01:17It's a gift from our ancestors.
01:21But such timeless pieces are more than just relics of the past.
01:25They're the foundation for a new wave of Kazakh jewelry design.
01:29And artisans have refined their art, merging traditional and state-of-the-art techniques
01:34to create jewelry that is both exquisite and practical.
01:38Berik Alibay is one of them.
01:40His family carried the unique craftsmanship of the Kazakh step through the ages,
01:44passing their knowledge from one generation to the next.
01:47Berik has created a house museum where his collections unfold the story of his artistry.
02:24I'm going to make a glass.
02:26I'm going to make a glass.
02:29I'm going to make a glass.
02:34I'm going to make a glass.
02:37Wow, it looks so easy.
02:40How long did it take you to learn that?
02:42It took me a lifetime.
02:48Kazakhstan is bringing its unique jewelry traditions back to life,
02:53turning them into a thriving ethno-business.
02:56Jewelry houses are crafting new collections that blend heritage with modern elegance,
03:01attracting growing interest both locally and internationally.
03:05Marjan Karim has been helping customers to find their style for over five years.
03:11The number of customers is increasing day by day.
03:16In the beginning of the campaign,
03:19our customers were interested in the jewelry that was made for the guests,
03:24but now they are interested in the jewelry that is made for everyday life.
03:34While many ancient nomadic crafts are fading away as the younger generation
03:39turns their backs on these timeless skills, jewelry is thriving.
03:47A vibrant new wave of jewelries are bringing both tradition and consumable charm to their designs.
03:54One of them is Miruyer Torumbek, who embeds traditional motifs into new materials.
04:00She has created timeless ceramic collections ranging from minimalistic everyday pieces
04:05to bold statement designs for special occasions.
04:09I wanted to create something unique that wasn't made there before,
04:14and the idea was to spread my love to my culture, to Kazakhstan,
04:21and speak out loudly about our cultural identity.
04:25Kazakhs use ornaments as a sacred part of their life,
04:30and we represent it in our jewelry in a so bright and modern way,
04:37and our young generation, girls, women, want to show their identity.
04:44These intricate designs rooted in the vast steppe, nature, and nomadic heritage
04:49have shaped Kazakh aesthetics from the past to modern days
04:53and are now capturing the world's attention.