| "His creations have adorned the covers of the best known magazines,and his exquisite pieces have graced some of the most glamorous actresses in Hollywood."
Jeweler to the stars, Karim is inspired by the cultural mix of Los Angeles, and the ancientMughal art forms of India.Growing up in the Arabian port city of Karachi, Karim mastered the trade of jewelry under his father's guidance, who was an international businessman dealing with gems, jewelry and watches.
"I often helped my father select and grade Burmese rubies. Ruby is one of my favorite gems; I use it a lot in my designs. This fiery gem, corresponding to the sun, was often used by royalty to enhance their leadership and political power. In vedic astrology it is believed to cure disease and increase the personal powers of the wearer." says the designer.
Traveling extensively to Southeast Asia, Karim had the oppurtunity to establish business relations with the talented craftsmen, whose techniques are dominant in his designs. These techniques, like pave setting, enameling, and granulation, just to mention a few, are handed down through generations, and are indigenous to specific regions of India, Pakistan and Asia.
Karim's artistic ambitions grew with the popularity of oriental jewelry
in the Western world, and after he moved to the United States, his career was "set in stones".
Karim's inspiration comes from the 17th century Mughal India. During this period, the art of gemstudded jewelry was at its peak. Masters from all over the world converged at the royal palaces of the Mughal emperors. This period of luxury and prosperity lured the west to the mystical land.
Karim came to the media's attention with his 21K gold chandelier earrings, elaborate chokers and convertible hoops. His intricate designs are handmade with techniques handed down through generations. Each piece is meticulously
detailed 0.nd skillfully crafted by master craftsmen. While the techniques are traditional, his color schemes and shapes are fashion forward.
"My designs are the perfect mix of the East and West. I created a whole new jewelry genre that speaks the international language of fashion with the understanding of history and culture. Gold has shaped the destiny of humanity throughout the ages. It is believed to be a gift from the Gods to humanity, and it represents life as everlasting. Gold is malleable- you can shape it into any form you like, even the most primitive peoples created objects of art out of it."
The magic of Karim's work is best exemplified in his own words:"I express my feelings through my jewelry with vibrant colors, interesting shapes and intricate details. I love beautiful,hand-woven carpets and tapestry;I often get ideas for new color combinations looking at them. Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to open your mind and listen to your intuition." |
| SHOP Karim |
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