Latest news with #craftsmen
CNA
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Hong Kong's traditional crafts slowly giving way to technological modernity
Hong Kong has been ramping up efforts to transform the territory by focusing on advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence. The move is having an impact on the city's traditional handmade crafts, which are slowly giving way to technological modernity. May Wong looks at how some traditional products and craftsmen may soon be calling it a day.
South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
How bamboo scaffolding helped build Hong Kong and still holds up, despite uncertain future
In the concrete and steel jungle of Hong Kong, bamboo remains a widely used building material. Advertisement The organic material is shaped into rapidly constructed scaffolding that covers new developments or supports workers doing building renovations. Bamboo scaffolding even forms entire venues for pop-up Cantonese opera theatres and cultural events. Hong Kong is one of the last bastions of bamboo scaffolding in the world. The city's enduring reliance on it is the result of a unique blend of heritage and practicality – bamboo is cheap, strong and flexible. But while many cherish it, in March 2025, the city's government started a partial phasing out of bamboo in favour of metal scaffolding, citing safety concerns. Bamboo scaffolders known as 'spiders' continue to work for now, but their craft could be slowly fading away.
CNA
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Singapore's jewellery market set to grow 5% annually, but shrinking craftsmen pool a concern
This week's Singapore International Jewellery Expo brings together over 400 brands from 26 countries, with treasures collectively valued at over US$250 million. Singapore's jewellery market is expected to grow by around 5% annually in the next five years, but the industry is grappling with a shrinking pool of local craftsmen. Kate Low with more.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Give the gift of Oak and Luna for personalized jewelry that will dazzle and delight
If you fancy yourself a bit of a magpie, or are looking to expand your jewelry collection, consider Oak and Luna. A personalized jewelry brand with a distinct twist, Oak and Luna is made up of a team of talented designers and skilled craftsmen, who are committed to dressing you in pieces that speak to your inner being. One of the offerings that makes the brand stand out is that of personalisation. Whether you're searching for a piece to gift on a milestone birthday, something that can capture a special date, person, or include your pet's name, lucky mantra, or anything in between, Oak and Luna is on hand to craft something fantastically unique to you. With Oak and Luna you really can wear your story – and do so as lavishly or as subtly as suits you. The exceptionally crafted pieces at Oak and Luna are designed to last you a lifetime, and so you can expect to find necklaces with thick layers of 18K gold, glistening diamond studs, and durable sterling silver blends. Plus, if you're looking for beautiful pieces but don't want to splurge too much, Oak and Luna has a fantastic range of affordable pieces that don't compromise on quality, along with the higher end, fine jewelry range. In addition to unique pieces, high quality and affordability, we can always rely on Oak and Luna for free shipping, a two-year guarantee, and free engraving – so you can get even more personal with your pick of jewels. At Oak and Luna, you'll find a range of jewelry styles, including medallions, hoop earrings, anklets, signet rings, bracelets, and so much more. We really love the dot bracelet collection, which gives you the choice of a range of designs, metals and sizes, that can be personalized with initials and diamonds. These beautiful bracelets are great for stacking and so make a wonderful collectible gift. If you still feel you need a little more inspiration to make your decision (we get it, there's a lot to choose from), we've pulled together a list of a few favorites below. The Inez initial necklace comes in six different metal options – 925 sterling silver, 18K gold plating, 18K gold vermeil, rose gold vermeil, 14K solid gold and 14K white gold. It's rare that you find that many metal choices for one single design, and by creating a range of options, Oak and Luna have perfected a collection that can suit a wide range of preferences, budgets, skin tones and styles. This sparkling necklace is a mix of traditional luxury and modern style, with the addition of up to four letters and three diamonds placed between them. This necklace, like others from Oak and Diamond, contains lab grown diamonds which possess the same optical properties as natural diamonds, but are an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional diamond mining. If it's something a bit more modern you're after, consider the Singapore chain name necklace, in one of its five metal options (although, we love the 18K gold vermeil the best). You can get really creative with the addition of diamond upgrades, which includes a heart shaped green gemstone, or 0.2ct diamond. This necklace is a perfect pick for those special moments when only something as equally special will do. You can add up to four name charms, with up to nine characters on each – a great option for a nod to little ones, parents, pets, star signs, favorite cities, or whatever speaks to you. Choosing from three chain lengths allows you to craft a piece that sits exactly where you like to wear your necklaces, because Oak and Luna know how personal jewelry is.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, officially started the annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century. As part of the carefully coordinated process, the complex began by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments, reported the Saudi Press Agency. This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support that follows the highest global standards. A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Quranic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex. The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam's holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.
