Shawish Lights A New Path To High Jewelry Design

It would seem as if Shawish Genève is a jewelry brand that is established with a long tradition. It produces bespoke and limited edition high jewelry creations using precious gems and employs old world craftsmanship. However, this small firm was founded in 2008 and even though it may seem to be wrapped in traditional jewelry making, it enhances this approach with modern technology, whether it’s in the making of its products or how the pieces are designed to be used.

Mohamed Shawesh, co-founder of Shawish, describes it as “a marriage between high jewelry and technology” and “the art of jewelry and innovation.”

The company first made headlines when it unveiled the first ring made entirely of a faceted diamond (in this case a 150-carat stone). Shawesh, whose family from Libya has been in the luxury gem business for generations, explained to me during Baselworld 2014 that this was the young company’s attempt to attract international attention and demonstrate its laser cutting technological capabilities. It worked. The YouTube video of the ring attracted more than 400,000 views.

Its technological prowess may even be more noticeable with its Octopus bracelet. The bespoke piece paved in diamonds not only sparkles but it emits colorful light from within.

“This is changing the rules of the game,” he said. “Instead of the diamonds reflecting light, the light is coming out of the diamonds. And you give the lady so much power that she can control the light of the diamonds.”

In another modern twist a bejeweled mushroom pendant necklace opens up to reveal a USB port that contains Luxury VIP services based on the owner’s lifestyle and interests. Shawish is calling it the world’s most expensive USB port.

The company also produces true traditional pieces that use precious materials, design and craftsmanship to tell stories. This includes the Princess collection, which combines 18k white gold with diamond pave with touches of faceted blue sapphires; its Teddy Bear pendant, which depicts a teddy bear paved with brown, black and white diamonds resting on a diamond pave quarter moon. The bear’s cap is covered in pink sapphires.

There’s also the Moonlight collection, which sparkles in 18k white gold and diamonds; and the different shapes and styles of a Mermaid’s tail in 18k white and pink gold, paved with white diamonds, pink and yellow sapphires, or black diamonds for its Beauty of the Sea collection.

Although still early in its development this is company poised to create new traditions in the traditional world of high jewelry.