Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: July 17, 2020 | 
| 中文
Laluna's Spring Exhibition 2018
While Pakistan’s obvious external beauty consisting of mountain ranges, breathtaking rivers and vast valleys has managed to attract plenty of global attention already, there are still hidden natural wonders that haven’t been exposed to the world as yet. One such treasure is its minerals and alluring gemstones, some of which date back to almost 5000 years to the period of the Indus Valley Civilization.
The Hindukush, Himalayas and the Karakoram are home to valuable jewels, ranging from clear Quartz and Lapis Lazuli to precious Tourmaline, Topaz and Emerald. The country is also blessed with amazing reserves of Marble, Nephrite Jade and Onyx. However, despite the rich mineral and gem deposits of this region, it is rarely visible at the international gem trade discussion.
Indeed, macro-perspectives and large scale promotion are needed to create a strong global reach for our spectacular resources, as well as to appreciate the efforts of local artisans who are best equipped to handle our gems and minerals. There are eager and enthusiastic entrepreneurs such as Rafia Qasim from Laluna Concepts, who have been attempting to present to the world the many wonders of Pakistan, one aesthetic accessory at a time.
Marble and Semi-precious Stone Mosaic Jewelry Box
The name for Pakistan-based lifestyle store ‘Laluna Concepts’ is inspired by the Pashtu word ‘Laluna’, which means precious stones. The business started in 2016 as a small venture in the capital city. They started with Serpentine and Lapis tables, which have now become something of a signature product. Later on, they expanded to pieces of décor, and even jewelry. Qasim, who is the CEO of the business, had a conversation with Youlin about how her brand was conceptualized with the aim to preserve the dying arts and crafts of this region, to support and promote skilled artisans as they showcase local art through contemporary designs.
Lapis and Serpentine Tables
Specializing in harnessing local materials into unique handcrafted pieces and accessories including jewelry, Rafia explained that the materials used are vital to the local craft produced in this region for over many centuries. “The Gandhara limestone that is largely part of our hand-chiseled collection is locally sourced from the Hazara division, the northeastern part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It dates back to the Gandhara Civilization which is about 2000 to 3000 years old,” she said.
The gemstones used are sourced locally from the Northern Areas and incorporated into the designs. Stones like Lapiz Lazuli (most of which is brought to Pakistani markets directly from Afghanistan), Serpentine, Jade, Marjan, and a variety of marbles are used in the creation of these distinctive pieces by the store. Laluna’s products are also inspired by patterns and motifs from all over Pakistan, from the delicate metalwork of the Mughal times, to the symbols from the Northern Areas which are incorporated into the jewelry. But other times, the pieces and designs have also been inspired by Greek patterns, intertwining stones with metalwork.
Greek Motif on Lapis Lazuli
Qasim explained the significance of infusing these special jewels into the design, “Each stone has its unique quality. For example, Lapis Lazuli is considered as the gem of joy, and it’s said to inspire positivity and harmony, bringing about balance in one’s existence. Its deep color has a calming effect on the soul, and it is said to enhance one’s psychic ability, releasing stress. Michelangelo used to make use of it in his paintings in a crushed form. Even Cleopatra outsourced Lapis Lazuli from around this region, as the main ingredient for her signature eye shadows.”
Statement Lapis Necklaces on a Lapis Table
A process of precision is needed, as specialized jewelry makers recreate traditional designs and motifs with an added element of a contemporary look. Qasim proudly elaborated on how she has collaborated with a large number of local artisans over the years. “Perpetuating an ancestral Asian art, some of our diligent artists have skills and expertise that have been passed down to them by their forefathers. It’s a painstaking process; lots of our accessories are hand-hammered like beaten copper.”
The pieces, consisting of steel and wooden materials as well, are crafted into functional art, like the chiseled bowls can be used for soups and salads, whereas oil burners, consisting of Gandhara limestone, are perfect vessels for essential oils to create a Zen environment.
Steadily climbing up the ladder, Laluna Concepts is making the world take notice of Pakistan’s strong traditions, which are defined and manifested by the region’s dynamic string of artisans. From participating in local cultural bazaars, Farmer’s Markets in Islamabad, winter festivals to bringing her works to international exhibitions in places like San Francisco, USA, the reach and appreciation for the products is allowing Laluna Concepts to expand its market much more than ever.
Exhibiting Laluna Concepts at SFO pop-up exhibition
“We have been showcasing to the world what Pakistan stands for in its aesthetic sense; there is beauty and distinctiveness in every single piece. By having an online platform with customers from various parts of the globe, we have been encouraged to add even more to our very vast collection, specifically relating to fashion accessories,” Qasim revealed.
Emphasizing the need to pursue one’s passion wholeheartedly, Qasim believes that true artisanship requires discipline and patience. Pakistan is a vast hub of excellent resources for local businesses like that of Laluna, due to the sheer breadth and depth of materials and artisans available at their disposal. What is needed is the promise to protect and properly compensate the artists who have perfected their craft of molding gems and metals through generations of work and skill.
Learn more about the product offerings at @lalunaconcepts on Instagram and Facebook; website www.Laluna furniture.com
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