We just love discovering new talent, and this local genius is making waves in the Maltese fashion scene. Meet Aline Barry, the incredible woman behind Aline’s Jewels, a jewellery maker that creates stunning pieces like no other. I caught up with Aline to get the inside scoop about how she creates such beautiful pieces.

“Crochet is an ancient technique that can be used to create beautiful contemporary pieces of jewellery and accessories. It is an international form of art and, even during my travels, I love coming across crochet jewellery,” says Aline. “It intrigues me to see how this trade can be found all over the world from Thailand to Greece. These are all beautiful pieces with one common factor: they stem from a trade that has been handed down through generations to meet today’s modern needs.”

So where did this jewellery journey start?

“I was taught by my mother and my mother was taught by her mother in turn,” she explains. “I started crocheting when I was a young girl and have kept it up ever since. At school we were taught needlework, which has complimented the whole process of making jewellery.  We were also taught Maltese lace making by an elderly nun, which sparked my interest in keeping traditions alive further.”

Aline says that she has always loved the technique and the eye catching designs one can create using simple tools and yarns, and it was thanks to her family’s encouragement that she decided to pursue this career. “Thanks to my family's push to create an Instagram page, my passion has enabled me to turn a hobby into something more than a pastime, which countless women have shown an interest in, and have fallen in love with.” It’s so true! I mean, have you seen them? 

Aline’s creative inspiration

“I find inspiration everywhere,” Aline says. “Many times I’m inspired by fashion and fabrics, and other times it can be something totally not fashion related. In these cases, an idea is triggered in my mind and this eventually leads to a new creation.”

“I’m most creative late at night,” she admits. “I find crocheting extremely relaxing, so at the end of a busy day, there’s nothing I enjoy more than sitting down and coming up with new ideas. I feel I have a clear mind and my creative side awakens. Like most forms of art, there are times when I have a clear vision of what I’d like to create, while at others I create as I go along.” Aline has also come across countless crochet jewellery Instagram pages and she says she loves seeing that this amazing trade is being kept alive. 

“What I love most about creating jewellery is the satisfying feeling of having lovely customers showcasing my pieces. It is fulfilling to see women feel good in their custom made jewellery, and to receive snapshots of them looking glam wearing my creations.

The most challenging part of her jewellery making, though, is the time and patience invested in each piece in order to get the perfect item, every time. “It can take hours to create each piece but the end results are always worth it and very satisfying.”

Aline’s style tips

"Crochet jewellery is very versatile and can be worn with just about anything. It can be casual, yet its simplicity and sophistication can take it all the way to the most elegant catwalk. Thanks to this, my jewellery can be worn for literally any event, be it a wedding or a relaxed day at the beach.” So whether you’re heading out for a fancy dinner date or just a relaxed day with your girls, Aline’s Jewels have got you covered!