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Jewelry’s Female Gaze: Sana Crown

Photo courtesy of Sana Crown

Sana Crown is a bold, fearless and unapologetic jewelry brand that inspires women and young girls to don their own crowns. With luxurious pieces at an affordable price point, Sana Crown embodies the cultural significance of jewelry intertwined with its commitment to philanthropy and social impact.

Sana Crown’s one-of-a-kind pieces are thoughtfully designed and inspired by women. Each design is created with women in mind, aiming to share their unique stories. Every collection carries a profound narrative, intricately woven with symbols and details that reflect these stories. The designs are brought to life through talented artisans in Turkey and Ethiopia. Each piece is meticulously crafted to pay homage to the rich tapestry of culture, history and the narratives of women. These creations seamlessly blend tradition with a modern twist, preserving the timeless beauty of heritage and the stories it holds. 

The brand was created by Sana Ahmed in Toronto. The designer is deeply rooted in her African and Middle Eastern heritage. The name Sana means “radiant one” in Arabic, and together with “crown,” it pays tribute to the brand philosophy; encouraging girls and women to recognize the power in their own “crowns.” Jewelry played a significant role in Ahmed’s upbringing. In Ethiopia, jewelry was intricately tied to identity, serving as a means to determine a woman’s regional origin. It also played an integral role in Ahmed’s daily life as she observed her mother and aunts adorning specific pieces for various occasions. These jewelry items held special significance, often being cherished pieces brought from their homeland.

Sana Crown hopes to spotlight the exceptional craftsmanship hailing from regions such as Africa and the Middle East. The brand also challenges the conventional perceptions of craftsmanship, often unfairly attributed to other parts of the world. Ahmed believes that jewelry is more than just a fashion statement; it serves as a powerful medium for storytelling. 

Philanthropy was another central aspect of Ahmed’s upbringing. She devoted her time to volunteering at various organizations and even launched initiatives of her own. With roots in countries that had often struggled for sovereignty, particularly women’s rights, Ahmed was driven by a deep desire to make a lasting impact on the world. After discovering the concept of social enterprise, she found inspiration in merging all her passions and values into creating Sana Crown.

Women empowerment is a central pillar of Sana Crown’s mission. The brand’s vision is to harness the transformative power of fashion, catalyzing change and redefining the luxury jewelry industry. To bring this vision to life, Sana Crown has established a meaningful partnership with a school in northern Ethiopia, which paves the path for girls to access education in a place where female education is typically denied. With every sale, a portion of proceeds is dedicated to supporting the education of young women at this institution. Ahmed is driven by her deep desire to make a lasting impact on the world. 

Sana Crown became the embodiment of Sana Ahmed’s vision, where the cultural significance of jewelry intertwined with her commitment to philanthropy and social impact. It was a venture driven by a desire to empower women and communities while celebrating the beauty and meaning behind every piece of jewelry.