Projebir is an everyday jewelry brand with an architectural and contemporary attitude based in Istanbul. Zeynep Mursaloğlu Şekeralp, founder and creative director of Projebir, studied Textile and Fashion at Mimar Sinan University in Istanbul, obtained her master's degree from the Polimoda Fashion School in Florence, and worked as a freelance fashion designer in London. She later worked for several years as a fashion designer while also studying in the Design and Management Program at Bilgi University.
As the textile fashion industry began to focus on faster and more consumable designs that lasted only months, Zeynep's desire to create designs that would sustain their appeal and endure grew. The only accessory she wore was a 60-year-old gold Rolex that had belonged to her father. He wore it while tending their garden, cooking, or going to a stylish party. Even after half a century, the robust design combined with the timeless material of gold made it the perfect everyday accessory. Even the scratches on its surface contributed to its value.
Projebir was founded in 2012 in search of unique and timeless everyday jewelry pieces. Each piece is inspired by Zeynep's childhood memories, with consideration given to novelty, refinement, and a contemporary attitude. Each piece is worn and tested for several months before launch to ensure it perfectly represents the initial idea and is comfortable for the wearer. Projebir has been sold in Istanbul's most prestigious spots. The brand is favored by creative insiders in the industry and is mostly known for its signet rings with a refined design language and initial necklaces. Projebir jewelry is made of 14k gold with diamonds and other precious stones, handcrafted in Istanbul.
"Projebir aims to create jewelry that is both contemporary and timeless, with a refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Our designs are inspired by a variety of sources, including personal memories and architecture. We strive to incorporate clean lines, architectural shapes into our pieces. "
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
One of my primary sources of inspiration is my childhood memories, which often inspire the shapes, colors, and textures of my designs. I also look to architecture and contemporary art for creative inspiration. I am especially drawn to clean lines, and I try to incorporate them into projebir pieces whenever possible.
How would you describe PROJEBIR’s aesthetics?
Projebir’s aesthetic is characterized by a sense of simplicity and elegance, with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship. We work with 14k gold, diamonds, and other precious stones, and each piece is handcrafted in Istanbul to ensure the highest level of quality and attention to detail. Ultimately, projebir’s goal is to create jewelry that can be worn and treasured for years to come, with a timeless aesthetic that transcends fleeting fashion trends.
What do you love about being a jewelry designer?
I find it incredibly rewarding to take my inspirations and ideas, and turn them into unique pieces that people can wear and treasure. I also enjoy the technical and problem-solving aspects of jewelry design, as it requires a great deal of precision and attention to detail to create pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Overall, I love being a jewelry designer because it allows me to combine my passion for design while creating pieces that can be cherished and passed down through generations.
Vintage or new?
I believe that there is beauty and value in both vintage and new. Vintage cars, midcentury cutlery and furniture are the pinnacle of prestige and design for me. I enjoy finding ways to combine the best of both worlds in my work. Whether I am designing a vintage-inspired piece with a modern twist or experimenting with new techniques in a classic design, my goal is always to create pieces that are beautiful, functional, and timeless, and that will be treasured for years to come.
What is your favorite time of the day?
I am most productive and focused in the morning, so I tend to schedule my design work and creative tasks for the early part of the day. This allows me to take advantage of my natural energy and creativity, and to ensure that I am giving my full attention to each piece that I create.
When are you the most inspired?
Even though I love being in nature, I usually let go all my professional eye during my time in nature and try to enjoy what’s to come. When I’m visiting a design museum, a well thought shop or even a hotel toilet, the details inspire me the most. How metal and wood work together, the hue of a worn-out wooden chair, or the handle of a door can all trigger something for me, whether it's a design detail or a feeling.