Koheul bottles from the 18th and 19th centuries
In Algeria, goldsmithing constitutes a major component of craftsmanship. Diversity of shapes, richness of materials, density of decoration and beauty of colors combine harmoniously over time and regions to give Algerian goldsmithing an aesthetic dimension reaching a high degree of refinement.
From east to west, from north to south of our country, goldsmithing travels and inserts itself through the most common acts of daily life to finally shine brightly during the most significant events of families and society.
If gold occupies an important place in Algerian goldsmithing, silver is the most widespread material and whose use remains the widest. Due to its very wide range of objects and works, it takes on, in turn, the simplest forms of domestic and social utility and constitutes an important sign and a true source of wealth, a store of value and an appreciable part of individual and family heritage.
Objects made by artisans whose skill and dexterity are matched only by the finesse and delicacy of their work. Sapphire, emerald, ruby, diamond, coral, enamel and especially pearls then decorated the gold and silver jewelry delicately worked by the goldsmith who surpassed himself in imagination and creativity. Ivory, mother-of-pearl and amber were also used and mounted on valuable jewelry.
Algerian goldsmithing still remains alive and neither modern forms of art nor new aesthetic standards have been able to supplant it in contemporary Algerian society which still grants it a place of choice commensurate with its eternal richness and universal beauty.
From east to west, from north to south of our country, goldsmithing travels and inserts itself through the most common acts of daily life to finally shine brightly during the most significant events of families and society.
If gold occupies an important place in Algerian goldsmithing, silver is the most widespread material and whose use remains the widest. Due to its very wide range of objects and works, it takes on, in turn, the simplest forms of domestic and social utility and constitutes an important sign and a true source of wealth, a store of value and an appreciable part of individual and family heritage.
Objects made by artisans whose skill and dexterity are matched only by the finesse and delicacy of their work. Sapphire, emerald, ruby, diamond, coral, enamel and especially pearls then decorated the gold and silver jewelry delicately worked by the goldsmith who surpassed himself in imagination and creativity. Ivory, mother-of-pearl and amber were also used and mounted on valuable jewelry.
Algerian goldsmithing still remains alive and neither modern forms of art nor new aesthetic standards have been able to supplant it in contemporary Algerian society which still grants it a place of choice commensurate with its eternal richness and universal beauty.