JEDDAH: Designing prayer beads has always been considered a decorative pursuit, but for Saudi designer Tasneem Anwar Eshki, strings of breads take on a deeper meaning, becoming tools for prayer and spiritual focus.
“I create these pieces not only as wearable art, but also to help people go through their hard times in life with a spiritual journey, through prayer and being closer to God,” she told Arab News.
“My jewelry is inspired by prayer beads and uses the same numbers, so the pieces carry a spiritual meaning and remind people of faith and reflection.”
She continued: “My idea in inventing prayer beads is that a person’s relationship with God is the highest relationship in the universe, and for this reason I design it and perfect it with all the feeling I have so that each piece, just by looking at it, tells what it carries of feelings.”
Eshki has been creating unique art pieces with stories and messages since 2014.
Today, through determination, practice and perseverance, she has earned a name for herself and became known for creating unique, colorful prayer beads as art pieces, blending spiritual significance with jewelry design.
Though Eshki graduated with a degree in French literature at King Abdulaziz University, designing was her passion that gradually grew into an inspiring concept.
“I studied art and jewelry making, and I am still studying with the GIA,” she said.
“It all started when I was very young. I always had a love for art, gemstones, and nature. When I travel, I like to meet people who have the same passion.
“After getting married, my husband and my sisters encouraged me to turn this passion into something real. It was a big challenge for me to sell something that has a very high emotional and spiritual value and to put a price on it. That is when I came up with the idea of limited editions. Every release has its own story and symbol,” she added.
“I used to make a piece for every person around me who felt distressed and whom I couldn’t help. I would give them a gift that carried feelings of love and support, but I would ask that person to praise God because he alone is capable of everything.”
The Jeddah-based designer studied at the International Career Institute and ended with an executive diploma in jewelry design, and now runs her own business, Tasneem Ekshi.
“The brand focuses on limited editions, and every piece is handmade with messages and symbols. All pieces come with a lifetime warranty and are created from a true soul. I believe this sincerity is what makes any artwork stand out.”
She believes that simply running her own business online helped her to reach out to her costumers easily. “Saudi brands today have strong international exposure, which pushes us to reach the highest international standards,” she stated.
“I always believe that when you do your work with authenticity and dedication, it will naturally reach the world, and Saudi designers are already moving strongly in that direction.”
Eshki presented her latest collection at her annual event, which took place in Jeddah. “During my recent annual event, I launched my second signature scent. I also introduced new pieces that are more practical, from the Madinah collection.
“Since the brand is about helping people go through hard times with a spiritual journey, every year I celebrate the brand with a theme. This year’s theme is ‘Human Being,’ which aims to inspire people with deeper ideas that connect to the main purpose of the brand.”
Explaining her idea behind merging gems and beads, she said: “For me, it is about prayer and reflection. Each gemstone reflects the beauty of God’s creations, and the beads connect to spirituality and mindfulness.
“Gemstones, wood, oud wood, and spirituality. These elements are deeply connected to our culture and nature, and I like to reflect them in my pieces.”
Asked about what inspires her creative process the most, she said: “Nature, my journey in life, and my roots inspire me the most.
“Sometimes my work even surprises me, especially with the haute couture pieces. For example, the piece I created for Riyadh Fashion Week. When I saw the final result, I understood more about myself. My designs often reflect my personal journey.”
Despite the challenges earlier in her life as a designer, Eshki found ways and means to overcome them with her passion and perseverance.
“Balancing family, work, life, and health is something I am always working on. But as a Saudi business, we are lucky because the process today is much easier. I can create and run a whole business from wherever I am, since many things can be done online and reach people smoothly.”
While taking creative leaps as a designer, she has also remained firmly rooted in her culture, values her heritage, and is keen to preserve it.
“To be honest, I try to combine international exposure and experiences with my roots. This balance helps create something modern while still connected to my culture,” she concluded.
