We have sat down for a chat with Deniz Gurdal, Ottoman Hands' founder and Creative Director, to speak about all things jewellery!

 

1. Can you tell us how you started your journey with Ottoman Hands?

 

I started selling my designs on a market stall at Portobello Market in 2010. What followed was nothing short of a fairy tale - a tale woven with threads of talent and unwavering determination. 

Once upon a cold and snowy Friday morning, when it was a Portobello Market stall day, I looked out from my window undecided about setting up for the stall or not, but instinctively went to set up. Despite the snow, a fashion buyer happened to be at the market and after being impressed with my designs she offered to launch my collection in Topshop! She asked if the brand would be ready to launch in a month's time and with confidence, I just said yes!

This wonderful opportunity was the beginning of a fairytale journey from market stall, to an established global brand.

 

2. How did the journey continue? 

 

These were our humble beginnings with no financial resources, no employees, and working alone from my small apartment.

For almost a year, I was the designer, administrator, and operations team for Ottoman Hands. I remember packing and sending large deliveries from my flat. After almost two years, we were stocked in many high-street stores, London museums and in hundreds of shops around the world.

 

3. What are the proudest moments in your career? 

 

There are many: I remember launching our Roman Coin Collection in the British Museum for the “Pompeii and Herculaneum” exhibition. I went to see the exhibition and seeing our entire coin collection in one of my favorite museum shops was a very proud moment for me. This was all the way back in 2013 before Roman Coins became a trend on instagram!

And of course, seeing my designs worn from people in the street to hit shows and movies makes me very proud.

 

 Above: Megara Geometric Spiral Necklace, Shining Star Signet Ring

 

4. What are your design values, how would you describe Ottoman Hands style? 

 

For me, designing is an opportunity to create something meaningful and powerful that allows the wearer to express their emotions and help them to tell their stories.

Additionally, when I design pieces I want people to recognise that this is a jewellery piece by Ottoman Hands, just by looking at it. I know that there are many jewellery brands out there that thrive by following trends, but we pride ourselves on our unique and instantly recognisable designs.

Our designs are deeply rooted in my personal heritage, which a fusion of East and West. Since our very early days, our design values have been the same, we create handcrafted jewellery inspired by the East such as our signature Evil Eye collection, with a contemporary twist.

 

 5. Where is the jewellery made?

 

Most of our jewellery is still crafted in the same small independent workshop in the heart of Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where our journey began, all these years ago. We share the same values and we have grown together, I have met the artisans personally, I know that their working conditions are excellent and that they are valued by the workshop owner.