Rahma Shirazi, founder of RAZ at Bahrain Jewellery Centre, believes that ornaments are more than an expression of beauty; they carry meaningful memories for life.
OHLALA – When did you establish RAZ, and how has your creative direction evolved over the years?
Rahma – RAZ was established in 2017, when I launched my first collection. From the beginning, my vision was to create jewellery that reflects my artistic identity and goes beyond traditional adornment. Over the years, my creative journey has continued to evolve, allowing me to explore new materials, techniques and ideas while staying true to the vision that inspired me to begin.
OHLALA – What is your design philosophy? What guides you while developing new designs?
Rahma – My philosophy is to always stay true to myself. I draw inspiration from everything around me, whether it’s art, nature, architecture or everyday experiences. I’ve never wanted to follow trends; I prefer to challenge convention and develop my own distinctive design language. For me, the most exciting part of creating is having the freedom to experiment, think differently and turn an idea into something unexpected.
OHLALA – Why do you use titanium to set precious stones in your pieces?
Rahma – Titanium fascinates me because of its unique qualities and the creative possibilities it offers. I particularly love its ability to be anodised in a spectrum of different colours, allowing me to create unexpected combinations that enhance the beauty of precious gemstones. It is also a challenging material to work with and I enjoy pushing myself technically to explore its full potential. That challenge is part of what makes working with titanium so rewarding.
OHLALA – What expressions do you convey through your designs?
Rahma – My designs are about personal stories. I love the idea that a piece of jewellery can hold a meaning known only to the person wearing it. That connection is deeply personal and whether the wearer chooses to share their story or keep it private is entirely up to them. Ultimately, I want my jewellery to become a form of self-expression, where the piece and its wearer share something unique.
OHLALA – Which bespoke commission has been your most memorable, and why?
Rahma – One of my most memorable commissions was for a client whose deeply personal story truly touched my heart. I had the privilege of bringing his vision to life through jewellery, creating something meaningful that his family could cherish and hold on to.
That incredibly meaningful experience became a defining moment in my creative journey. It was when I truly discovered my love for jewellery as a form of artistic expression and realised how even the most deeply persona
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