The Story of FIHR: Heritage, History, and the Power of a Name.
FIHR | فِهْر | Fi-hur | “stone pestle”
Curled up on the sofa, tucked into a biography from my grandmother’s home library, I came across the name: Fihr ibn Malik. He was an early ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH, 570-632 CE) and guardian of the Meccan Sanctuary. A serendipitous web search of the name revealed the translation: “stone pestle.”
There it was—the perfect name for the gemstone story of FIHR Collection.
Notably, the name was also shared by the renowned Fatima al-Fihri. In 859 CE, she founded an intellectual centre in Fez (present-day Morocco) that would become the University of al-Qarawiyyin. The institution is recognised as the first “degree-granting institute” (Mortimer, 2018). Mortimer describes Fatima’s investment and commitment to education, and you can read more about her here.
I later came across an area known as Jebel Fihrayn. This natural wonder of limestone cliffs in Northwestern Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is known as “the edge of the world.” Interestingly, the use of limestone in jewellery dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt.
Over millennia, and across civilisations, jewellery has served many purposes, from protective amulets and talismans to status symbols and adornments.
FIHR Collection was born out of an intrigue for the jewels in jewellery. The pieces reconnect us with historically and globally treasured semi-precious gemstones, such as carnelian and turquoise. The biface and flat cabochon designs provide a grounding comfort. The timeless styles and adjustable features enable effortless wear and thoughtful gifting.
