Dina Maghawry's designs and creations do not bill themselves as unique: they simply are. Her gold and silver, copper, precious and semi-precious stone creations make a fabulous gift and a definite addition to any woman's jewelry collection. Coming in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, Maghawry's assorted creations offer something to satisfy every stylistic palette. She has always been able to put her ideas down on paper and has explored metal working, goldsmithing and jewelry making without too much formal exposure to the art. Maghawry began her career as a jewelry-designer four years ago, calling herself an "artisan. Now, since her talents and creations have evolved, she calls herself a "designer, which she says is "not easy to earn. Difficult perhaps, but possible for Maghawry whose collection of designs range from LE 100 to LE 9,000 and come in the form of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains, bookmarks and cufflinks, to name only a few. "I work with my hands. That is the part that I enjoy doing the most in my work, along with drawing designs, she said. Designer, metal worker, promoter, and business woman, Maghawry also gives credit to the people who help her get the work done. "I also have craftsmen to help me out. Since I handle everything about my business, there is not enough time for me to do everything. I have to take care of marketing, buying prime materials, making and printing out my packaging and publications tools, etc. She modestly admits that when she first began selling to the public, "My work was primitive and very simple. But it is all in the eye of the beholder - Maghawry's creations are elegant and colorful, and the quality of craftsmanship speaks for itself. No two pieces are alike. Her creations are perfect for accessory aficionados looking for one of a kind, stylish and classy pieces to adorn an ordinary outfit or a fancy evening dress. Her Kashmir line was inspired by her fascination with India. Though she has never had the chance to visit, Maghawry grew up in Kuwait around Indian and Pakistani communities, which influenced her artistic taste. "They had a strong presence in my life, she said. "I've always been exposed to their artwork, and that includes their cinema, songs, jewelry. Gold rings from the Kashmir line, she says, best identify her as a designer, "They're ethnic, somehow classical, with my own drawing no the sides and in gold. They best represent my mind. Another inspired collection is Epoques (the French word for era), which features an array of pieces representing different time periods in Egypt's history as well as those from other parts of the world. "Sometimes coins are the main subject. It could also be old buttons, or any other antique piece that reflects past epochs. I found myself captivated by a gold ring Maghawry created out of an old Egyptian coin and small accompanying rubies. Maghawry explains that her pieces are inspired by things that are "all around us. "You can suddenly get a thought while you're doing something else that is not related to jewelry making. As long as your mind is constantly being nurtured by good visuals and images, artistic creations and designs can be inspired, she said. Maghawry also designs custom pieces made to order. To see her designs, visit her Zamalek showroom or the user-friendly website: www.dinamaghawry.com 16 El Sayed El Bakry St.,Off El Brazil St.,Zamalek, CairoTel: (02) 2737 8210Email: [email protected]
