Lavalier; “where creativity meets craftmanship”
Mariyam Ashfa, a handmade jewelry artist based in the Maldives, never set out to build a thriving, well recognized local brand or a flourishing empire. Instead, she simply followed her passion for creating unique, handcrafted pieces that reflected her artistic vision and individuality.
What began as a creative pursuit gradually evolved into a successful venture when she entered the local market in 2012. Her designs quickly captured the attention of Maldivians seeking something more personal and distinctive than mass-produced accessories. As appreciation for handmade craftsmanship grew, so did the demand for her work. With the steadfast support of her husband, alongside her own resilience and dedication, she has continued to build and sustain her practice through consistent hard work and commitment to her craft.
At a time when factory-made jewelry dominated the market, Ashfa’s creations offered a refreshing alternative—pieces crafted with care, originality, and attention to detail. Her journey is a testament to how authenticity, passion, and hard work can transform a personal hobby into a respected name within the local jewelry industry.
The Parallels, the Past & the Present
The Maldivian fattaru bai necklace and the European lavalier share a similar emphasis on elegant, dangling pendant-centered design, where a central ornament is suspended from a fine chain or structured arrangement. In the Maldivian context, the fattaru bai developed as part of traditional gold and silver craftsmanship, often featuring intricate detailing and symbolic motifs tied to status and ceremonial dress. Similarly, the lavalier, popularized in Europe in the 19th century emphasizes a graceful drop pendant aesthetic that draws attention to the neckline. While emerging from different cultural and historical settings, both styles reflect a shared ornamental logic: highlighting femininity, refinement, and social significance through a central decorative element that anchors the necklace design.
“I just love creating jewelry that feels personal and easy to wear but still meaningful.”
Even without explicitly recognizing it, Ashfa has drawn a subtle connection between these design parallels, weaving them into her work in a way that reflects her personal story and cultural roots. This relationship emerges almost instinctively, as if the knowledge was already embedded within her, guiding her creative process with a natural and unconscious ease.
From concept to form
Operating within the Maldivian market, sourcing materials has presented a significant challenge, requiring her to independently procure and import supplies from multiple countries due to the limited availability of specialized materials locally. Despite these constraints, she has built a strong presence through social media platforms as well as participation in local pop-ups, markets, resorts, and island events, including her consistent annual appearance at the Food Carnival in Malé, where she shares both her work and artistic vision. Through these channels, she fosters meaningful connections with audiences while advocating for the value of handmade craftsmanship over mass-produced goods. Ashfa emphasizes that supporting local artists extends beyond appreciation of their work; it directly contributes to sustaining locals’ means to survival, nurturing creative practice, and strengthening the broader cultural and creative economy.
“We have to keep the creativity alive. Choosing handmade over mass produced makes a big difference here. When people support us they are supporting someone’s actual livelihood, they are supporting passion ”
If there is any advice or insight to take from this, it is simply the importance of “choosing local” .
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Hands-On Creativity
During school holidays, she runs workshops for children, many of whom have since developed their own small creative businesses. She teaches them the full process of creating each piece, from beginning to end. Some have even started participating in local markets and selling their work independently. Upcoming workshops are usually announced on the Lavalier Instagram page, particularly around the holiday season.
“It makes me really proud to give back to the community”
Ashfa’s work embodies a considered blend of tradition and contemporary design, grounded in a strong respect for Maldivian craftsmanship. Through her handmade pieces, she preserves established techniques while reinterpreting them for a modern context, keeping the craft relevant for new audiences. Her journey reflects perseverance, family support, and a deep commitment to working locally, all of which have shaped her creative path. Beyond her practice, her involvement in community workshops for children demonstrates a dedication to sharing skills and nurturing the next generation of creators. Overall, her story highlights the enduring value of handmade artistry and the importance of supporting local creative talent.
