Najran’s Traditional Jewelry Preserves Generations of Craftsmanship and Cultural Identity

Courtesy: Photography of SPA,

Najran, April 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The ancient jewelry of Najran continues to embody the region's rich cultural and historical heritage, showcasing traditional craftsmanship through unique designs, fine engravings, and a diverse use of materials including silver, gold, colored beads, and precious stones. These timeless pieces not only symbolize women’s beauty and elegance but also reflect the deep-rooted artistic identity of the area.

Distinguished by precision, durability, and visual appeal, Najran’s women's jewelry features a wide variety of shapes and textures, including flats, cylinders, and rings. Each piece is decorated with intricate patterns—lines, curves, and detailed engravings—testifying to the expertise and devotion of local artisans who continue to preserve this ancient tradition through manual techniques passed down through generations.

Local craftsmen in Najran produce a range of traditional adornments. Earrings known as kharous and necklaces referred to as harouz are among the most prominent. Other signature items include banjara, worn on the hand; halqah, an ornament placed on the head; and wide bracelets such as al-lazem and al-shamiliyyat. Rings known as al-marda’ also feature prominently in the local jewelry tradition.

In addition to metalwork, women historically adorned themselves with amber necklaces and beads shaped like branches, worn around the neck and known as al-ma’aniyyah and al-samit. These pieces, often handcrafted from locally sourced materials, carry deep symbolic and aesthetic significance.

Beyond personal adornment, Najrani artisans have also contributed to the decoration of traditional weapons, including the jambiya and other daggers, underscoring the cultural importance of ornamentation across various aspects of daily life.

The traditional jewelry of Najran remains an essential element of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, reflecting the resilience and artistry of its people while reinforcing national efforts to preserve and promote intangible cultural assets in line with Vision 2030.