Next Generation

Zuhal grew up in Baghlan, surrounded by nature's beauty, which inspired her to recreate Afghanistan's natural beauty with her own hands. Raindrops inspire Zuhal’sdesigns.

Taiba believes you must never be fearful of what you're doing and what makes you and your family proud.

I lived as a refugee in Iran, a challenging time not just for me, but for my family as well. Now, we have returned, and I stand as a proud daughter to my Dad, creating beautiful handmade jewellery.

During my time as a refugee in Peshawar, I was unable to experience the beauty of my homeland and its craftsmanship. Today, I stand as a proud Afghan jeweller, creating exquisite designs for people around the world.

I was born and grew up in northern Afghanistan. I always tried to work and gain some education, but I never had any luck until my family moved to Kabul. I’m now a jewellery production member with Zindagi Now.

The past and the present are very different, but I wanted to combine these differences and present them next to each other. My design is inspired by the old jewellery of Afghanistan and combines it with the modern design of today.

It is difficult for a young girl to have self-confidence in such a situation in Afghanistan, but this art not only builds our confidence but also our future.

I started making jewellery recently and enjoy the designing and creative side more than anything else. I especially like learning about design and storytelling. I take part in every opportunity because I feel that there is a lot to learn, and I want to learn it all.  

My collection Shojaat is inspired by the remainings of my great granddad's house in my village. There is not much left of the house as it has been destroyed throughout the years. The only part left is a single piece of wall that stands alone in the fields. I love that wall. I often sit by it and watch it to remember my childhood and the good memories. My family has a plan to build a new house in that space. To keep that wall alive, I made it into a necklace so I can keep it with me forever.  

Making jewellery is not just a job for me. It’s an interesting hobby. It’s what keeps me occupied, happy, and fulfilled every day. I love designing and making wearable items is satisfying.   

My collection is inspired by an Egyptian Queen who was a strong woman. Despite the many challenges she faced, she led a nation to success. In her time, culture and art flourished. I hope those who buy my pieces feel powerful and beautiful when they wear my work.  I have many ideas I need to work on, and I view jewellery making as an avenue to bring my ideas to life. It helps me tell my stories and communicate intimately without words. I want my jewellery to be a thread, a road that connects me with people around the globe.
I am a very communicative and sociable person. Jewellery helps me communicate with people I haven’t met yet in a way I otherwise don’t see possible.  

I used to be a chemistry teacher, and when I couldn’t continue my work as a teacher, I started making chains in the jewellery workshop. Despite never having any professional training, I found jewellery making more creative and lucrative. I learned jewellery making skills on the job from my Ustads. One skill at a time. I learned by asking questions and being extremely curious. I knew the basics of working with chemicals, and I am a creative person and I love the opportunity to combine both my passions.

 I like reading. Poems inspire most of my work. I also like traveling to get inspiration from houses and historical places. I based my collection on patterns found in the art and architecture from Nadir Afshar’s period. Nadir Afshar was from the Qizilbash tribe that established the Safavid Dynasty in Iran and parts of Afghanistan. My hope for the future is a fair work environment where every artist is respected, heard, and given equal opportunity. I want a future full of arts, culture, freedom, and equality.  

Design and jewellery making were two of my greatest ambitions, and I was waiting to turn one of my beautiful designs into a piece of art one day. I designed and made this flower ring in a very classic way. Its small stones represent coloured flowers in a twisted vine. Creating this ring has given me the energy to work with stones.