[Not Yet Available in Japan] Captivated by Turkish Craftsmanship: Elevating Ancient Jewelry to Modern with "Cleopatra's Bling"

Antique-inspired design reminiscent of ancient jewelry in museums, showcasing the craftsmanship of "Cleopatra's Bling."

This brand, founded in 2014 by Australian founder and designer Olivia Cummings, draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean and Middle East, universal beauty, and the rich nature of her homeland Australia, creating modern jewelry that adds color to everyday life.

The collection, which speaks to the senses with 18K gold plating, sterling silver, gemstones, intricate beadwork, and enamel, is described as a "painting that encapsulates timeless stories." The pieces, infused with the artisans' passion, are designed to increase in beauty and value over time, transforming from mere adornments into artworks that evoke emotions and memories.

Olivia shared her thoughts on jewelry, from her first visit to Turkey that inspired the establishment of "Cleopatra's Bling" to her training in the country and the creative process.

From Heartbreak to Istanbul

First, please tell us about how you came to launch the brand.

Inspired by a significant heartbreak in my early 20s, I set off for Istanbul with just 200 euros and the dream of creating the jewelry brand "Cleopatra's Bling."

I didn’t decide to move from Paris to Istanbul to establish a prestigious brand. I was driven purely by a passion for ancient jewelry making.

My first visit to Istanbul at the age of 22 became a major turning point in my life. I was especially captivated by the vibrancy of the Grand Bazaar and the craftsmanship of local jewelers.

As I immersed myself deeply in the culture, learned Turkish, and honed my skills, the desire to create jewelry that I genuinely wanted to wear naturally led to the birth of the brand.

What was the most memorable experience from your life-changing visit to Istanbul?

The sensation of being captivated by the culture alive in Istanbul still vividly remains in my memory. The colors and sounds overflowing in the streets, along with the exceptional skills of Turkish jewelers, deeply impressed me.

Particularly, the Grand Bazaar was a treasure trove where craftsmen shared their skills and stories.

It is a special place that sparks my creative inspiration. The time spent discussing ancient civilizations in antique shops stimulated my curiosity and further ignited my passion for creation.

What was your experience like learning jewelry making in Istanbul?

Training in Turkey was a valuable experience that became the foundation of my creation. Encountering the ancient technique of "lost-wax casting," where wax is sculpted to create intricate designs before being cast in metal, was a major turning point for me.

This technique is deeply connected to the rich history that Turkish jewelers have woven over the years. The creation process is meditative and rhythmic, captivating me with its artisanal charm and strict discipline that allows no shortcuts.

I believe that this dedication to craftsmanship is what makes our jewelry special and fosters its unique identity rooted in tradition.

A Year in the Making from the Craftsman's Hands

Can you tell us about the concept and aesthetics of "Cleopatra's Bling"?

"Cleopatra's Bling" possesses a unique aesthetic that fuses modern design with an antique feel, primarily using gold adorned with vibrant stones and beads, as well as ethically sourced materials.

Works inspired by Ancient Egyptian motifs and myths are assembled. Could you tell us more about specific episodes?

I draw inspiration from fine details such as textures, motifs, ancient symbols, and decorative arts carved into buildings in Istanbul and Naples.

For example, in my latest collection inspired by ballet, "Ballet of Geometry," I expand on the imagery from Arnold Schoenberg's "Moonstruck Pierrot," created in 1912, with works depicting stars.

We hope our jewelry resonates deeply with the wearer, stimulates curiosity, and enables self-expression. Jewelry is a personal object that tells the wearer's story and becomes a familial treasure to accompany them throughout their lives.

Please tell us about the production process of the new collection and your creative efforts.

My creative process always starts with meticulous research and gathering inspiration. My current mood board features warm scenes from Sicilian kitchens, antique lace curtains, and captivating vintage treasures.

All designs are meticulously crafted by hand, with wax being carefully sculpted individually using sharp tools and heat wands.

The completion of a collection takes about 12 months, as I cherish the playful spirit and rustic charm that comes from handmade work, rather than sterile designs generated by computers.

There is no fixed order to this process; sometimes, design ideas emerge first, while at other times, new works are born from encountering striking stones.

Additionally, I engage in close dialogue with my creative team to refine concepts and weave the stories infused in the pieces.

How has your experience before establishing the brand influenced your current operations?

Before starting the brand, I learned the profound importance of "being genuine" and "connections."

By building direct relationships with artisans, we are able to preserve the traditional techniques that are essential to our work. The wonderful artisans I have met through my travels continue to provide me with significant inspiration.

By valuing these relationships, we would never compromise on quality or craftsmanship.

Can you share the most challenging experience during the ten years since founding the brand?

One of the greatest challenges in the journey of "Cleopatra's Bling" has been the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this difficult period also provided an opportunity to review our business model and seek new ways to connect with customers.

I learned a great deal about effectively utilizing online platforms and strengthening our community through digital storytelling. This experience taught me not only the importance of flexible responses but also helped the brand grow into something more resilient, fostering deeper connections with customers.

Personally, having to be apart from my precious artisan community and team members during the pandemic was the most memorable trial.

Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection: The Concept of “Wabi-sabi”

What impressions do you have about the untapped Japanese market?

I hold a deep respect for Japanese aesthetics, particularly the focus on refined simplicity, delicate attention to detail, and the philosophy of "Wabi-sabi" that finds beauty in imperfection.

The profound understanding and appreciation of craftsmanship shown by the Japanese resonate strongly with my values. I am especially fascinated by the intricate techniques seen in Japanese jewelry and traditional crafts like pottery and textiles.

Furthermore, I cannot help but be captivated by the wonderful culture of Japanese cuisine.

Lastly, please share your vision for "Cleopatra's Bling."

In the future, I am considering establishing a dedicated studio to further broaden design possibilities, but currently, I cherish the intimate creative environment that working from home provides.

The brand is also showing international expansion, with new projects underway in Spain and Italy. This allows for greater focus on the creative direction of design and the creation of collections rich in storytelling.

My aim is to continue producing timeless works that resonate with people's hearts. I also wish to nurture a strong community that values craftsmanship and authenticity.