At the dawn of 2019, in the crisp Desember air, just on the cusp before the world was engulfed in the unforeseen upheaval of a pandemic, I found myself wandering through the vibrant marketplaces of Oslo, Norway. It was there, amidst the lively stalls, that I encountered an elderly artisan peddling his meticulously crafted spoon rings. Spellbound by the allure of his creations, I purchased my inaugural spoon jewelry piece, forged with skill and passion right before my eyes. The artisan, a venerable figure, traced his craft back to the year 1955 and imparted his wisdom, expressing a fervent desire for a broader embrace of recycling and repurposing forgotten items.

The idea struck a resonant chord within me — to transform dormant silver cutlery languishing in household drawers into wearable art for everyday life. The allure of Norwegian silver cutlery captivated me, and the notion that a simple spoon could metamorphose into an elegant accessory became a wellspring of inspiration. Following my sojourn in Oslo, I delved deeper into the world of these enchanting silver cutlery pieces, kindling a newfound fascination. Embarking on the endeavor to craft my own spoon jewelry, initial setbacks threatened to dampen my spirits.

Fortune smiled upon me when I encountered the seasoned spoon jewelry artisan once more. Recognizing me from our earlier encounter, he inquired about my progress. Learning of my struggles, he graciously offered to impart the fundamental techniques of spoon jewelry craftsmanship. Rather than allowing my missteps to deter me, these moments of guidance became invaluable stepping stones, reigniting my hope and passion. It was through these lessons drawn from my mistakes that I ultimately forged the path to successfully crafting distinctive and meaningful spoon jewelry.

The sustainable essence of this endeavor became an even greater source of inspiration. The resonance of recycling and vintage aesthetics among diverse age groups underscored the timeless appeal of my creations. Each piece of cutlery transformed into jewelry carried its unique narrative, a story that transcended its erstwhile existence as a drawer-bound utensil.

From this journey, Sheikhen emerged organically, echoing the essence of my last name, Sheikh Bozan. My full name is Abdel-Rahman Sheikh Bozan, and I am residing in Haugesund, Norway. I work as a Norwegian teacher and am pursuing a master's degree in teaching. Alongside my studies, I developed a passion for silverwork, a craft that carries on my family's tradition.

Silverwork entered my life in a chance yet transformative manner. It has always been a part of my family; my father, Mustafa Sheikh Bozan, was a skilled craftsman and carpenter, while my grandfather was an artist in his own right, hand-knotting Persian rugs in the 1950s. Inspired by them, I felt a natural pull toward this field. In 2019, after purchasing a ring made from old silverware in Oslo, I met an elderly Norwegian craftsman who opened my eyes to the rich history and value of old silver. This inspiration led me to delve deeper into the cultural history of Norwegian silver, reading everything I could find, from antique books to local histories, discovering that each piece of silverware carries a unique story. Thus began my journey of transforming these traditional items into something new and personal — handmade jewelry with soul.

What fascinates me most about old, traditional silverware is the soul it possesses — stories, memories, and heirlooms that have accompanied people through generations. The silver often dates back to the 1900s and carries marks, engravings, and patina that give the items a certain dignity. Giving these objects new life and meaning is an honor. I believe that I am not only creating jewelry but also preserving culture and tradition in a new form. My goal is for these heirlooms to live on, not just as decoration, but as part of their wearers' stories.

Throughout history, spoons have held a significant role in various ceremonies, both religious and secular, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and medieval England. These ceremonial spoons were even present in momentous events such as royal coronations. The custom of presenting spoons as baptismal gifts has an extensive history, with its origins rooted in the United Kingdom. This tradition gave rise to the well-known phrase "born with a silver spoon in your mouth."

Across the ages, spoons have also served as tokens of affection. One fascinating example is the Welsh custom of the love spoon – an intricately carved and adorned wooden spoon symbolizing love. The concept of transforming spoon handles into rings emerged in 17th century England. During this period, the design of flatware was not only made from genuine silver but often showcased elaborate embellishments, including family crests, making them cherished heirlooms.

Legend attributes the origin of spoon rings to the working class of bygone eras. As the story goes, servants would clandestinely take a piece of silverware from their employer's collection and repurpose it into a ring, serving as a token of their affection and commitment to their loved ones.

The charm of spoon rings experienced a revival during the late 1960s and 1970s, embraced by the hippie culture of Haight-Ashbury and the spirited counterculture of that era, which advocated for peace and love.

In 2020, Sheikhen Designs made a remarkable comeback, reigniting the art of crafting spoon rings. However, this time, we added a dash of spice to the tradition, infusing it with contemporary creativity and innovation.