It has been more than two weeks since a devastating explosion rippled through Beirut, wounding thousands, and smashing window panes throughout the city.
Today, one jewellery company is making a powerful statement by using the very same glass that has littered the streets of the Lebanese capital following the incident.
Fine jewellery brand L’Atelier Nawbar has recently released charms, featuring the red stripes and green cedar tree seen in the Lebanese flag, that use the the shards of glass from the explosion.
"Fragments of glass fell around us, what would become of you we asked. These windows have seen us through. Little pieces of them (have been) brought together in an 18k gold mosaic of love for our watan (country) signifies how little scraps can make art," the brand wrote on an Instagram post.
The pieces do more than just pay tribute to the country though – they aim to be a symbol of the resilient nature of the people of Lebanon.
“We will rebuild our Lebanon, quietly efficiently and swiftly, like little ants rebuilding one business at a time,” the post adds.
Sales from the charms will go towards emergency relief for Lebanon, the brand has stated.
L'Atelier Nawbar was founded in 1891 in Beirut, and is known for creating statement designs that are also rooted in tradition. It is headed by sisters Dima and Tania Nawbar, who are fourth generation designers.
Like many leading brands and fashion houses in the city, L'Atelier Nawbar's headquarters in downtown Beirut was significantly damaged by the explosion that occurred on Tuesday, August 4.
The brand has since announced that it will also be donating part of its new purchases and orders to rebuild the city and “help those who have lost more than we have.”
In the past, designs created by L’Atelier Nawbar have been worn by celebrities such as Demi Moore and Lupita Nyong’o.
