Ethical, Sustainable Jewellery

Local designer creates one of a kind custom jewellery

WORDS BY LINDSAY BROMMELAND

So the story goes — BUNO DESIGN was started in the UK by three sisters. One of whom, Esmahan Abdallah, married a Canadian and moved to Edmonton. A textile designer by trade, Abdallah took the original clothing based business in another direction and expanded into jewellery. She noticed that although upcycling clothing is popular, upcycling jewellery is uncommon. Starting with her family’s collection, Abdallah began to repurpose vintage, salvaged, and donated jewellery into powerful and bold wearable art pieces. Though all BUNO’s designs are one of a kind, they also create custom jewellery. Whether the original piece is mass-produced or heirloom, it can be repurposed to suit current trends and the owner’s style. The name BUNO comes from the sisters’ Grandfather, who lamented his all-female descendants would not carry on the family name. Abdallah and her sisters have done that and more, building a well-known brand while staying true to their vision to create ethical, sustainable fashion. www.buno-design.com

The ‘Amunet’ Tassel Earrings are made of raw brass pendants and silk tassels. The earrings are named after 'Amunet (Am-oon-Et)' Amunet (/ˈæməˌnEt/), a primordial goddess in ancient Egypt

GLAM STUDIO CORP MAKEUP AND STUDIO: ESMAHAN ABDALLAH MODEL AMAL ABUKAR PHOTO BY

This is a custom statement up-cycled necklace . A Swarovski wedding headband, upcycled gemstones and gold plated beads were used to create this rope statement necklace with magnetic clasp.

The beaded Fire Coral hoop earrings are made of glass beads and African Maasai Beads. They are from the ‘Blooming Coral Collection FW2020’ inspired by the rich African textiles and coral reefs.

ESMAHAN ABDALLAH PHOTOS BY