At ELIRD Jewellery, we celebrate artisanal craftsmanship, sustainability, and the timeless beauty of handcrafted creations made with love and care. These values form the very heart of our work, guiding every decision we make.
WAGA, one of our most cherished Bosnian brands, shares a deep commitment to these principles. Recently, they engaged us in a thoughtful conversation about the importance and future of craft - a dialogue that celebrates our shared vision and passion.
We invite you to explore the full conversation below or visit their website to immerse yourself in the experience. Together, let us honour the artistry and dedication that keep craftsmanship alive.
In a world that often prioritizes mass production, the art of craftsmanship is cherished at ELIRD. Recently, WAGA, a fellow champion of artisanal heritage, engaged us in a conversation about the values and processes that drive our work at ELIRD. This conversation highlighted our shared commitment to cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
The Essence of ELIRD's Craftsmanship
WAGA delved into the heart of what craftsmanship means to us. As we shared with them, “To us, craftsmanship is a blessing – a genuine expression of human creativity and skill,” an idea that resonates deeply within every piece we create. Through persistence, skill, and authenticity, we bring our ideas to life, drawing from both Bosnian and Iranian artisanal traditions.
For us, craftsmanship is more than just making objects—it’s a form of communication. Our hands become the storytellers, expressing feelings of being alive and fully immersed in the creative process. WAGA captured this essence in their feature, beautifully illustrating how our work remains a commitment to preserving the authenticity of traditional crafts while making them relevant for today’s audiences.
The Dance Between Freedom and Spontaneity
WAGA was particularly fascinated by our unconventional approach to the creative process, which we call ‘free play.’ Unlike many artists who start with detailed plans, we dive directly into creation—whether it’s sculpting, painting, or modeling—without constraints or predefined rules.
“For us, free play means allowing our creativity to flow without constraints or fear of mistakes – only different ways to express an idea.”
Our partners in craft captured how this openness fosters innovation and authenticity in our work, enabling us to bring fresh, unique ideas to life. By trusting the creative process, we remain true to our vision, and as we shared,
“It’s through this unstructured play that our most authentic and innovative work comes to life.”
Bridging the Gap Through Craftsmanship
WAGA’s article also emphasized our dedication to bridging the gap between past and present by revitalizing Bosnian craftsmanship. “We aim to create a living bridge between the past and present, where traditional techniques inspire and evolve,” we explained to them. This commitment drives us to prove that traditional crafts are not relics of history but dynamic, living expressions of cultural heritage.
Our work extends to the community as well, where we serve as role models for preserving this heritage. As we shared, “We believe that by continually striving to improve ourselves, we create a ripple effect that positively impacts those around us,” something we take pride in through our active apprenticeships, passing down our skills and knowledge to ensure these traditions thrive.
Sustainability at the Heart of Production
From sourcing materials to minimizing waste, our production methods are designed with care and longevity in mind. As Ebrahim shared with WAGA, “Our production methods are centred around quality and longevity, crafting each piece with the utmost care to ensure it lasts for generations. We also strive to minimise waste in our studio by reusing materials and optimising our designs to make the most of every resource.”
By doing so, we remain true to our core values, ensuring that ELIRD not only honors traditional craftsmanship but also respects the environment.
Taking a Look Into the Future of ELIRD
WAGA also explored our future vision at ELIRD. As we told them, “Our future projects are geared towards innovating while respecting our roots, creating pieces that not only pay homage to our traditions but also appeal to global aesthetic sensibilities.”
Our journey is one of passion, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition, something captured beautifully in their article. Together, we’re crafting more than just objects; we’re building a legacy that will inspire future generations of artisans and art lovers alike.
Synergy in Craft Between WAGA and ELIRD
WAGA’s feature also highlighted the synergy between our two brands, noting how both ELIRD and WAGA celebrate shared values of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Our collaboration is a testament to the potential of artisanal synergy in promoting both cultural and creative economies.
SANAT: A Piece Like No Other...
When WAGA asked us which of their pieces resonated with us the most, we were drawn to the SANAT centerpiece. As Ena shared in the interview, “The piece we connected with the most was the Sanat centrepiece, as we were captivated by its beautiful and sculptural silhouette.” The design struck a chord with us, as it beautifully balances artistry and functionality, much like the work we strive to create at ELIRD.
A Shared Commitment to Craftsmanship
This conversation with WAGA allowed us to reflect on the values that unite us as craftsmen, and it reaffirmed the shared belief between ELIRD and WAGA: true artisanship is timeless, and its future is as rich and promising as its history.