"The Ottoman Lady" Arrives in Singapore

EAST COAST, Singapore - April 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Büyük Hanım: The Ottoman Lady

Though not openly wielded, the Ottoman Lady was not without influence. Nor was she without social life, though it was confined, outside the family, to contact with other women. The first wife, or buyuk hanim (great lady), of an important man had a large household to run, and in it she was a commanding and even dictatorial figure.

It comes as no surprise that the greatest event in a woman's life was her wedding. Although weddings varied in their degree of magnificence, none could have been said to be paltry. Marrying an imperial princess was always an expensive proposition for the bridegroom who had to provide a large mehr – marriage settlement, and give what must have seemed an endless array of presents.

Intricately and elaborately crafted jewellery was the least that could be demanded for such a glorious occasion. Arizma brings you the following collection, fit for the great buyuk hanim’s of today.

Chokers and elaborately ornamented necklaces were the favoured statement pieces of an esteemed buyuk hanim. Records of the 18th Century British Ambassador in Istanbul show that the wife of Sultan Mustafa II, Hafize Sultan, wore a “string of pearls down to her knees with a diamond as big as a turkey egg and two strings of emeralds”.

Ogle at Arizma's statement pieces in true buyuk hanim style.

To say that Emerald was a favourite of the Ottomans would be an understatement. Not strictly following symmetry, each diamond is prominent, characteristic of Ottoman jewellery.

Flora and Fauna were always a favourite past time of these distinguished ladies and for it not to be reflected in their ornaments, a shame. Witness the fine craft in the flora and fauna motifs that reflect the timeless taste of a refined Ottoman Lady.

ABOUT ARIZMA – Curator of Fine Jewellery

Arizma is your personal fine jewellery space. We have curated a spell-binding range of superior and unique designs with unwavering quality.

We wanted to create accessibility and share our expertise in hand-picking only the best from different places and curate culturally-inspired collections for our clients to see. Opt for practical day-wear classics or indulge in red-carpet pieces; whether its sparkling diamonds, coloured stones or luscious pearls, Arizma presents rotating collections where one can indulge in curations from all over the world.