Gilan Jewels: The Heritage Collection

Kings were captivated by its grandeur, emperors were mesmerized by its splendor and sultans were inspired by its beauty. The place is Istanbul, "Queen of the Cities," a dynamic capital where the enigmatic East and the modern West collide; where ancient Ottoman traditions interact with the European way of living; where intellectual minds and artists coexist in harmony and where the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire had their heart.

The diversity in culture and the mix of traditions gave birth to one grand society that redefined luxury and beauty in 15th century Istanbul, making it not only about the lifestyle of the Ottoman Court, but about the richness in architecture, design and music--a place where the love of worldly pleasures and the arts were one.

Fast forward a few generations. Gilan, founded by brothers Muharrem and Ferhan Gilan, has channeled ancient Istanbul's artistic statement and uniqueness with singular allure. Following the design footsteps of their great grandmother, head seamstress for the Ottoman court who created customized dresses for pashas, Gilan's passion for design and luxury is hereditary.

Characterized by mysterious methods rich in heritage, Gilan brings the opulence of the Ottoman Court to the XXI century. Stormy love stories of the

millennia are behind the forms that Gilan uses as inspiration, as well as a remembrance of the tulip-era, the Belle Epoque of Istanbul's luxurious lifestyle, with openwork tracery on gold and floral-inspired designs that evoke the ancient tradition Sultans had of planting a new batch of tulips each time they would propose to a new wife.

Intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship create the setting for lavish colored stones, rose- and cabochon-cut diamonds, rubies and turquoises mixed with ivory, mother-of-pearl, jade and wood. Rich in culture and tradition, Gilan crafts extraordinary pieces of jewelry and objets d'art.

Each piece tells a narrative of whimsy and adventure dating back to 15th century Istanbul incorporating motifs and techniques derived from the circle of craftsmen working for the Palace.

Gilan's design inspirations are reflective of the tastes of the Ottoman court and become a historic link to the city's cultural and artistic past. In 15th century Istanbul, the Sultan's court attracted the empire's most talented artisans. Through a system of apprenticeship, generations of craftsmen were taught distinctive techniques created by these master jewelers experimenting with forms, materials and processes. Hundreds of imperial artistic societies were administered at the Topkapý Palace. These "communities of the talented" grouped artists both from the Eastern world and recently conquered territories in Europe resulting in a blend of Oriental, Turkish and European culture that today inspire Gilan's workmanship.

This one-of-a-kind quality to the pieces has drawn admirers who are true collectors, in search of authenticity.