By Mahdi Al Khayari
Sometimes, we do not leave our passion behind; we only step away from it for a while, until it returns to us at the right moment. This perfectly summarise Hilal Al-Shaibani’s journey with jewellery making—a craft he grew up around, then distanced himself from for many years, before rediscovering it during the isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this interview, Al-Shaibani reflects on the turning points that shaped his experience, and on an art that transformed from a family legacy into a beautiful obsession.
Excerpts:
Tell us about your upbringing and your first exposure to the craft of jewellery making.
I was born and raised in the Wilayat of Adam in the 1990s. From a young age, I learned the craft of jewellery making from my father. It is a family heritage passed down from my grandfather to my father, and then to us, his children. Despite this beautiful legacy, I always had a desire to explore life beyond the boundaries of my hometown.
Why did you initially choose a different career path away from jewellery making?
After completing my studies, I joined a vocational training institute and specialised in electrical work. I then went out to seek employment and faced many challenges. I stepped away from the craft my father was teaching me and began my professional journey in the desert in 2012 as a basic worker.
Did you completely disconnect from jewellery making during that time?
Not entirely. Although my work took me away from it, my heart always returned to jewellery making whenever I visited the workshop during my leave and watched my father work with precision.
How did your career develop while working in the desert?
Over time, I moved into the human resources department and gained job stability, until 2020, which became a major turning point in my life.
What happened in 2020?
I was on a trip to Uzbekistan, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic and airport closures, I was unable to return home. I spent six months away from my country and my loved ones. Seeing illness approach friends and family was a harsh experience that taught me how suddenly life can end, and how important it is to leave a meaningful mark and stay focused on our dreams.
How did this experience affect you after returning to Oman?After I returned, work stopped and restrictions continued. Time moved slowly, so I went back to the shop to keep myself busy—organising and arranging things to escape the emptiness. That was when the idea came to me: why not make a ring myself?
How was your first experience in jewelry making?
It started as a simple attempt. I did not have advanced skills, but I had time, emptiness, and determination. I completed my first ring, shared it on social media, and received my first order. Feedback followed, both criticism and encouragement, and I discovered a new passion.
How did social media contribute to your journey?
I created a dedicated account where I share the jewellery-making process step by step, with the aim of highlighting the beauty and value of the craft and offering educational content for those interested.
How do you balance your job and your passion today?
As life gradually returned to normal after the pandemic, I resumed my work in the desert. I now live between two roles—two weeks in the desert and two weeks in the workshop with my father. Over time, my skills grew, my passion deepened, and orders increased until there was no longer any room for boredom.
When did media attention begin to grow around your work?
With persistence and dedication, media institutions began to show interest in my work. I participated in several television, radio, and press interviews that highlighted my journey in jewellery making and the development of my skills.
How would you describe your relationship with jewellery making today?
What once began as a simple passion has become a beautiful obsession. I design, craft, and document each stage through photography, then condense hours of work into meaningful minutes shared on social media.
Are there any designs you feel personally attached to?
Yes, I have created designs that are very close to my heart. Some of them I still regret selling, but they found their way to people who truly appreciated this rare art.
Has your work reached audiences outside Oman?
Yes, my work has reached beyond Oman, where I found an audience that values handmade jewellery and seeks unique pieces. Some clients also prefer privacy and request their designs not be photographed, which I fully respect and understand.
How do you approach pricing your work?
I follow my father’s advice: “Take only what you deserve—never ask for more.”
Any final message you would like to share?
I continue my journey between the desert and the workshop, between employment and passion. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who supported me, believed in my work, and helped me reach where I am today.
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