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Engraving Her Mark on Society
Meet the Jewelry Designer
Mosul – The daughter of a gold merchant, Nagham Thaeer has been crafting metals into art since she was a young girl.
“The love of gold and jewelry is in my genes,” says Nagham from the storefront of a commercial centre in Mosul where she sells the jewelry of her brand, Elixir.
Ten years ago, when Daesh occupied Mosul, freedoms of movement and expression for women were severely thwarted, and countless women experienced violence and subjugation. Nagham and her sisters had no choice but to retreat indoors, and Nagham’s hobby became her refuge from the chaos.
“Making jewelry was my way of staying safe from what was happening in the external world while still growing and developing myself at home,” she said.
Once the city became secure and women began to venture out again, Nagham emerged with a big dream to create the first women run jewelry enterprise in Mosul.
“The goldsmith business is controlled by men, so it’s been challenging to break into the market, but I’ve insisted on moving ahead to make my business a reality,” said Nagham.
She launched Elixir’s jewelry store and workshop with one vision in mind: to turn their customers’ imaginations into jewelry pieces that can be passed on for generations.
“Alchemists used to believe that metals could be transformed into gold and live on forever. The word elixir reflects the sentiment of immortality,” said Nagham.
Elixir jewelry designers discuss plans for their designs, which incorporate elements of ancient language and history. IOM Iraq 2024/ Angela Wells
“The jewelry we make is customized to the ideas and imaginations of our customers and crafted in our own special style that highlights Iraq’s history and modern-day culture,” added Nagham’s sister, Alaa, who helps her run the business.
Most of Elixir’s pieces are custom made for each client – featuring designs their team carves onto gold-plated copper or silver.
The brand sets itself apart from its competitors by integrating the ancient cuneiform text – one of the world’s first written languages, believed by historians to have been engraved in Iraq’s caves in approximately 3,200 BC – in many of its pieces.
Nagham hired an ancient language expert to teach Elixir’s designers how to write and eventually carve words of significance within their jewelry pieces. This is one part of the three-month training course in jewelry making techniques and customer service skills that she and her sister offer to her new hires – all of whom are women.
“Women have less job opportunities in Mosul compared to men, so I wanted to give women a better chance,” she said, adding that dozens of women expressed their interest to join her company after she shared the opportunity on social media.
“We even received interest from trained doctors or dentists, but we wanted to invest in women who hadn’t been able to finish their studies. A few of our designers have been through traumatic experiences, we are helping them to start a new chapter in their lives,” said Nagham.
“One woman once told me, ‘I’ve learned my power from you.’ So, I believe this business is changing these women's lives for the better,” she added.
Nagham and Alaa know their business is opening doors that were typically closed to women in their society.
“Many families have forbidden women from working in the private sector, so we bring the families of our trainees to the workshop. After they see the atmosphere we created, most give their green light,” said Nagham. “There is more acceptance for working women in Mosul. We are part of changing this mindset.”
Zainab is one of the women on the Elixir team whose new-found skills and confidence are paving the way for her future.
“When I applied, I didn’t have any work experience, and I was going through a divorce; it was a difficult time of my life. I was afraid in the beginning, but step by step I learned to participate and move ahead. I’m now ready to confront any challenges that may come,” said Zainab.
“We are not just working here to make jewelry; we are committed to supporting other women to become designers. We believe that as women, we can achieve anything if we are brave and go for our dreams,” added Alaa.
One of Nagham and Alaa’s biggest dreams is to bring Elixir to customers internationally, and they are well on their way. They have already showcased their designs at international exhibitions in Dubai and Paris.
IOM’s investment in Elixir funded new equipment for metal cutting and carving, and allowed Nagham to hire additional women designers. IOM Iraq / Angela Wells
Nagham attributes much of her success to the support she receives her father – who handed down his knowledge in metal working and has been a constant source of support.
“Perhaps with other fathers, the situation would be different, but mine encourages me to move forward and develop myself. My father is my main source of confidence,” said Nagham.
With support from the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Enterprise Development Fund and the German Development Bank (KfW), the Elixir Jewelry team is on their way to reaching new heights.
The fund provided Nagham with business development courses where she learned skills in budgeting, business planning and marketing. She also received an investment that she used to purchase metal cutting and welding devices, and hire more women who are keeping the Elixir brand alive.
