ALAHMAR, As Featured On GIA

Celebrating GIA Alumni : Special Edition

Two brothers cross oceans and cultures to carry a family legacy from ancient techniques to a vibrant future.. From Syria to Thailand, discover the ALAHMAR brothers journey, as published on GIA.

"Nestled in the northeast corner of Damascus, near one of seven ancient gates in the oldest region of Syria, sat a four-story French-style building. All day its hallways bustled with activity, mostly from the nimble fingers of artisans of distant Thailand. Invited to apply their incredible skills in crafting invisible-set jewelry, these craftsmen labored to create dazzling works of art that in turn were sold as treasured heirlooms across the Middle East.

"Fares and Elias Alahmar, young and eager to absorb as much of this complex trade as they could, were encouraged by their father – owner of the operation and a talented goldsmith himself – to observe and learn this magical process. This is where the brothers’ fascination with jewelry, design, diamonds, and gemstones was forged, and where they grew to understand the value of precision and fine detail in jewelry creation. They had time to learn just enough before disaster found them."

"In March of 2011, popular discontent erupted in the Syrian Revolution and civil war. Unable to safely remain in Damascus, the Alahmar family fled to Egypt. Fares traveled even further, heading to Poland to complete his academic studies in computer engineering. But Elias heeded a different call and made his way to GIA in Bangkok, Thailand, the homeland of those same artisans he admired from his youth."

"Thrilled with his newfound knowledge of colored gemstones, Elias described the exotic natural wonders he studied over lengthy phone calls with his brother. Following weeks of such tantalizing conversations, Fares finished his degree and promptly joined his brother in Bangkok to embark on his own gemological education. After completing his Graduate Gemologist diploma, Fares continued on to pursue his AJP and the Jewelry Design certificate."

"For Fares, it was heavily-included amber that sparked an interest, drawing on his passion for biology and appreciation for the merging of beauty and science. Elias enjoyed the jardinière found in emeralds and the challenge of sourcing and assessing premium gemstones. But each has applied his GIA education in novel ways, experimenting with form and design while nurturing an innate instinct for rare and beautiful gems. Fares and Elias both attribute their respect for scientific accuracy and client education to their time at GIA, with the lifelong encouragement from their family to bolster their dedication to knowledge."

"As the brothers settled into life in Thailand, they combined their skills and talents to form the next generation of jewelers and continue their family tradition. They even managed to find many of the craftsmen who once worked for their father, bringing their complicated journey into the trade full circle."

"Thousands of miles from their first home, Elias and Fares founded their new venture on the same standards they inherited from their father: focus on mastering technique, execute flawlessly, and build a company that will carry on the exceptional craft of fine jewelry."

Read The Full Article on GIA Here.