Handcrafted Silver Manufacturing with Arabic Calligraphy
Social Status:
The family consists of seven members, all residing in Jordan, except for Ismail, who relocated to Palestine due to difficult economic conditions and a lack of job opportunities in Jordan. In contrast, he found an opportunity in Palestine to work in handcrafted engraving on wood and silver. To minimize living expenses, Ismail resides in shared housing for young men in Al-Bireh rather than renting a private home.
Project Development Stages:
Ismail has been a beneficiary of the Economic Empowerment Program under the Ministry of Social Development since 2020, through the "Badera" project, implemented by the National Empowerment Institution. This support enabled him to purchase a laser machine, which brought a significant transformation to his project. As a result, he became financially independent, able to support his family in Jordan, and contribute to his sister's university tuition fees.
According to Ismail:
"In 2016, I was working in Jordan in an irregular and inconsistent job, trying to help my father support the family. The situation was extremely difficult due to the lack of job opportunities and challenging living conditions, which pushed me to seek an alternative source of income. The inspiration for my project came from my aunt, who had extensive experience in Arabic calligraphy silver crafting. I decided to explore this field and moved to beloved Palestine, where I started learning the fundamentals of silver crafting from her. At the same time, I enrolled in courses in interior design, graphic design, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D MAX.
After about a year, I decided to pursue this craft full-time, as my passion for silver crafting and its intricate techniques grew daily. I launched my business by engraving olive wood and marketing it through traditional accessory shops in Ramallah, as well as participating in community exhibitions, including Sooq Al-Haraj, Al-Bireh Municipality events, and the Chamber of Commerce fairs.
Later, I expanded into gold-plated copper jewelry, as it required less capital investment. I introduced new, refined designs, which led to a rapid increase in demand for both olive wood and gold-plated copper products. This success allowed me to support my father in covering my elder sister's university tuition fees, confirming that I was on the right path and could sustain this career.
In 2019, my project reached a turning point as I expanded into pure silver crafting, a valuable metal that significantly elevated the quality and prestige of my work. The high cost of silver compared to olive wood and copper was a challenge, but I gradually introduced my designs to jewelry stores, where demand grew steadily.
Despite not having a personal store and working from a very modest workshop, I carefully monitored my monthly production and orders, which consistently increased. This reassured me that I was on the right track toward achieving my evolving dream. Previously, I had aspired to open a student engineering services office, but after everything I experienced, my dream transformed into creating a unique signature in Arabic calligraphy jewelry that would reflect my personal artistic identity.
By 2020, as my business grew, I realized the urgent need to integrate modern technology into my work. I applied for financial support through the Ministry of Social Development and the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution to purchase advanced equipment.
After my application was approved, I received an $8,062 interest-free loan, which played a pivotal role in restructuring my business. I purchased a laser machine, which allowed me to double my production capacity, reduce costs, offer competitive pricing with high-quality finishes, and introduce eye-catching Palestinian-inspired designs to the local market.
Throughout my journey, Palestinian poetry and nationalistic phrases, especially those of Mahmoud Darwish, have been a major source of inspiration for my designs. However, handcrafting these intricate details took extensive time, limiting my ability to compete on price and expand my customer base. The Ministry of Social Development's support, which enabled me to purchase a laser machine, was a game-changer in overcoming these challenges. It allowed me to accelerate production while maintaining craftsmanship quality and expand my business in the post-COVID era."
Product Authenticity:
The project is deeply rooted in Palestinian heritage, as it originally focused on handcrafting olive wood accessories and decorative items. The olive tree holds immense cultural significance in Palestinian history, making it highly valued by local and international customers.
Later, the project incorporated gold-plated copper engraving, significantly expanding its product range. This evolution allowed for the production of various accessories, blending traditional Palestinian artistry with contemporary craftsmanship.
Product Design and Development:
Initially, Ismail relied on traditional tools to create handcrafted accessories. However, after receiving financial support, he was able to purchase a laser engraving machine, significantly enhancing his ability to engrave on gold-plated copper and silver. Additionally, the loan covered the cost of raw materials, such as gold plating solutions and silver ingots.
Product Quality:
The laser machine introduced a major improvement in quality. It enabled Ismail to increase production, enhance precision, and maintain consistency across large orders. This progress opened new business opportunities, such as a contract with a Palestinian bank to produce 1,400 custom-made pieces as gifts for the bank’s VIP clients.
Production Speed:
Receiving the interest-free loan significantly increased production efficiency, boosting his output by 200%. This rise in production capacity directly led to an increase in sales and customer demand, ultimately resulting in higher monthly income.
Marketing Capabilities:
Ismail employs various marketing strategies, including social media platforms (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram). Additionally, he showcases his products in retail stores and participates in tenders and business agreements.
Social Media Handle: (To be provided by Ismail for direct customer engagement)
Sustainability and Business Growth:
The project began in 2017, initially focusing on engraving olive wood and crafting accessories. Over time, it evolved into gold-plated copper engraving and eventually expanded into 925 sterling silver crafting. Today, Ismail’s business is continuously growing, maintaining steady production and market expansion.
This journey, from a personal hobby to a professional business, demonstrates Ismail’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to preserving Palestinian heritage through handcrafted jewelry and artistic engravings. His long-term goal is to establish a recognized brand for Arabic calligraphy jewelry, positioning his designs as a symbol of Palestinian identity in both local and international markets.