As I travel on in this wonderful journey of my life I owe it to my ancestors to pay homage to my Moroccan roots . Being the grand daughter of Casablanca's most popular jeweler , gold smith , diamond dealer and designer of some of Morocco's royal gem's it was only natural that I would grow up one day and discover my love for designing jewelry . My mother would share some found memories of my grandfather allowing my sister's and I to play with diamond gems , rubies , and other precious loose stones while he was conducting business in his ever so busy jewelry store . From the time I was born to present day my sisters and I were always privileged with beautiful golden jewels designed by my talented grandfather Isaac Ifrah . The woman of our large Ifrah family shared many traditions besides food of our culture and a wedding dress that we all take our turn to wear on our big night before the wedding day which we call a Hennah . We also share a common bracelet in which we receive upon our metamorphosis into woman hood . This was one tradition I could not wait for as I was mesmerized by the design , artistry and detail that makes these beautiful bracelet's so special . I so loved seeing both my sisters enjoy wearing theirs as I patiently waited for my big day I finally received mine at age 13 . I have never taken this beautiful golden bracelet off since , I shower , sleep , surf , work and play and when ever I need to connect with my grandfather I know all I have to do is look at my wrist and know that he lives forever in me and guides me on my journey into designing .
" The bracelet"
I wear one too.... Given to me when I was nine - I have never taken it off! I feel the same way as you do - mesmerized and transformed everything I see it or feel it.
ReplyDeleteMichelle , we are connected by our roots as far as Morocco . Your father would remember my grandfather as they were family friends . The bracelet is a huge tradition among Moroccan woman who traditionally wear seven for the days of the week . Do you remember when we first met ? I recognized the bracelet it was an instant connection for we traveled far to meet and remember I brought my Mom to see your dad after many many years ... I love it ...
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely post Tilly! so much history and wonderful childhood memories!
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