Our Origins
Our Founder
Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to parents of Syrian, Eritrean and Nigerian descent, the art of jewellery had always surrounded every vacant corner in the life of Semai Gold’s founder, Vera. Her work has always carried the spirit of these cultures and have become entwined with one another to form a singular and distinct style.
After moving to London, Vera would go on to obtain her degree in Jewellery Design from Middlesex University before stepping into the professional world, gaining first hand experience working in the famous Hatton Garden district and then going onto work as a goldsmith for highly regarded independent brands.
Through this, she gained an intimate understanding of both traditional craftsmanship, and the making of fine Jewellery.
Semai Gold embodies her fascination with the history of storytelling and mythology, not only through words, but through the intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down through countless generations. Her work is a reflection of the spiritual symbolism which had been carried by her ancestors, Semai Gold is her way of preserving, her way of passing down those stories as heirlooms for the next generation.
“Jewellery as a way of preserving stories”
The name Semai comes from the Tigrinya word ሰማይ (sämay), meaning “sky” or “heaven” — a name I chose as a connection to my mother’s heritage and to the sense of history, identity and storytelling that sits at the heart of the brand. Semai Gold is deeply personal to me; it brings together the cultures, places, symbolism and stories that have shaped both my life and my approach to jewellery. Blue has always held a special place in that world too — quite simply, it is my favourite colour, but I have also always been drawn to its depth, richness and almost celestial quality, which feels naturally connected to the meaning of Semai itself. It felt especially meaningful to officially launch the brand on my mother’s birthday, creating another thread between Semai Gold and the woman and heritage that inspired its name.
What is “SEMAI”?
