Zikra Rizvi

Chandi

Jhumka EarringsFabrications, Sterling Silver.2024.

“This pair of Jhumka, named Chandi Chandini (Silver Moonlight), is inspired by the domesof mosques, specifically the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Türkiye. The title reflects thematerial as well as the symbol used on the earrings. The style of Jhumka, which translatesto bell, is reminiscent of the domes of traditional mosque architecture. I used an Iznik tiledesign on the outside designs of the domes, as this design was used heavily to decoratethe interiors of the Selimiye Mosque. The abstractness is meant to evoke a sense ofharmony and balance, reflecting the perfection of the universe created by God. Thededication is called the Shahadat and is located on the inside of the dome. It says لاَِّإ َھَٰلِإ َلاِ َّٰͿٱ ُولُسَر ٌمَّدَحُم ُ َّٰͿٱ, which translates to “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah andMuhammad is his Messenger.” The Shahadat is an oath that is found inscribed along thewalls of many mosques. As they are earrings, I tried to work with as thin silver as possibleto keep the piece lightweight, doming it to allow for it to look bolder without needing asmuch material. The elements of the earrings are very intricate, which allows for the pieceto look elegant.”