Next Generation
We are very proud to introduce the 'Next Generation', a platform for Afghan jewellers from our initiative Zindagi Now and men's and women's businesses supported through Arts Charity Turquoise Mountain to show and sell their work.
Supporting and treasuring this work will have a huge impact and bring visibility, independence, and joy to the lives of women and men of Afghanistan facing economic and social challenges.
Sitara
I totally lost myself, and almost decided to stay home and do nothing until I visited Zindagi Now, who provide great opportunities for Afghan women.
Sitara's Pieces
Zuhal
Light is beautiful, but more beautiful in the darkness. Jewellery is a light in the darkness. Zindagi Now is a light for the future, and we always dream to come together with our friends from different parts of Afghanistan to create our collections.
Zuhal's Pieces
Saeeda
Making jewellery can lift our mood, make us feel amazing about ourselves, and serve as a way for us to express our unique sense of style. One of the lesser-known facts about bangles is that they improve blood circulation. I prefer to work mostly in silver designs when I create bangles because silver bangles fight negative emotions.
Saeeda's Pieces
Shabana
My grandmother was a local jeweller and produced handmade jewellery for the local community. I got inspiration and lessons from her designs and created my own work with Zindagi Now.
Shabana's Pieces
Zahra
We are here to change, and that can happen through our arts and hard work.
Zahra's Pieces
Asma
Flowers relieve stress. I was fond of flowers when my father was gardening, which made me remember my memories. I took the inspiration for this design from the flowers that were in our home.
Asma's Pieces
Taiba
Taiba believes you must never be fearful of what you're doing and what makes you and your family proud.
Taiba's Pieces
Najeela
I have as much muscle as a man and can do as much work – thank you, ZindagiNow, for a great opportunity.
Najeela's Pieces
Sumaia
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.
Sumaia's Pieces
Maryam Habibi
The day I graduated from this art centre, I felt a surge of independence and empowerment. I was no longer just a member of my family, but a fighter for my own future.
Maryam Habibi's Pieces
Salma
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.
Salma's Pieces
Deeba
Trees, especially tall ones like willows and plantains, serve as nests for birds. When birds build their homes in these lofty trees, they demonstrate the resilience we can muster to build our lives, no matter the challenges. My designs, inspired by the delicate willow tree leaves, embody this spirit of resilience.
Deeba's Pieces
Fatema
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.
Fatema's Pieces
Maryam
My heart beats with a profound love for the natural world. I turned the beauty of nature into a great art piece.
Maryam's Pieces
Zaila
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.
Zaila's Pieces
Sadaf
Imagine a design so unique and captivating that it draws the attention of everyone in the room. That was my vision when I looked to the skies and drew inspiration from the graceful movements of birds. I've poured my heart and soul into creating a design that captures birds' simplicity and beauty and stands out as an alluring masterpiece.
Sadaf's Pieces
Mahjoba
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.
Mahjoba's Pieces
Enjila
A trip to Bamyan changed my life's history. I fell in love with the beauty of nature in Afghanistan, which inspired me to produce beautiful art pieces with Zindagi Now.
Enjila's Pieces
Hakemi
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.
Hakemi's Pieces
Mahdi
I'm a motivated and passionate jeweller who loves the art of jewellery making. I have dedicated fifteen years to this profession, showcasing my skills in both crafting and designing. I not only produce jewellery but also focus on my artistic design.
I used coins as my inspiration for this collection, as they have been used as decoration on clothing and jewellery for centuries in Afghanistan. I always draw on Afghan culture and tradition for my inspiration, and this collection is no exception. My hope is to keep the tradition alive, and as a jeweller, I hope to do this by making similar everyday pieces that draw on traditional designs.
I aspire to achieve even greater dreams and continue striving towards transforming my business into a modern and well-equipped jewellery making enterprise. With determination and enthusiasm, I hope to shine internationally in the realm of jewellery craftsmanship and showcase my art and abilities.
Mahdi's Pieces
Hamasa
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.
Hamasa's Pieces
Nasreen
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.
Nasreen's Pieces
Shila
I always gain great skills working with the ladies of Zindagi Now in Kabul during very difficult moments in my life!
Shila's Pieces
Zuhra
We lost hope until we learned about Zindagi Now, a new life that provides women the great opportunity to come under one roof and work for our future dreams. The design of these studs is taken from a famous geometric masjid from Turkey. When I see the photo of my design, it's so beautiful; I love it, but finishing these studs was a dream come true.