Arts Thread

Fusion of Cultures & Generations in Jewelry A Search for Identity Between Two Cultures For Alyssa Wakim, identity is not something that belongs to a single culture. Growing up with both Belgian and Lebanese roots, she was shaped by two different worlds. Traditions, family stories, memories, and heirlooms from both cultures have played an important role in forming who she is today. In her master, she explores how this dual heritage has influenced her identity and how it can be translated into a personal visual language within jewelry design. At the heart of the project lies the fusion of jewelry pieces from both sides of her family. For each generation, Alyssa selects two pieces of jewelry: one from her Belgian family and one from her Lebanese family. Rather than reproducing these objects directly, she uses them as a starting point for new designs in which characteristics from both pieces are brought together. Using new technologies, ornaments, details, and forms from the original jewelry are analyzed and reinterpreted. These elements are combined into new designs that ultimately evolve into a series of cuff bracelets. Each bracelet can be worn individually, but together they form a single sleeve around the arm. In this way, the connection between cultures and generations becomes not only visible but also tangible through the act of wearing the jewelry. Memory and heritage form a second important pillar of the thesis. Jewelry is often passed down from one generation to the next, carrying stories, emotions, and family history. By deconstructing and reconstructing existing pieces, Alyssa investigates how heritage can evolve without losing its meaning. The resulting designs become more than mere objects; they serve as carriers of memory and connection. The project also reflects a personal search for a place between two cultures. Rather than choosing between being Belgian or Lebanese, it embraces the understanding that identity can exist within both worlds simultaneously. The collection translates this idea into a contemporary design language in which differences, memories, and cultural influences merge into a unified whole. Through this master, Alyssa Wakim develops a jewelry where culture, family, and identity converge. The project is not only an exploration of jewelry design but also a reflection on heritage, belonging, and the ways in which different generations and cultures can come together within a single, unique narrative.