I’ve chosen the design “Fish” by Naeeme Ghafoori Seydani from Iran as the winner in my jewelry design contest. Here is what he wrote about the design:

“My country (IRAN) is a dry place so in my culture water and everything that is related to water is holy; fish is a symbol of life, food and moving. And also it is a symbol of attracting love. This necklace is used to bring luck for love and marriage, finding a good job and being wealthy. I use shell, because it is natural and comes from the sea - brings calmness for all of us.”

I think choosing this design shows how spirituality and art can bring people closer even when their countries don’t allow it. (I still have to figure out how I’m going to send him his prize since there is no mail service between Israel and Iran…)