Interview with Mehragin Rahmati

I became a designer because art, painting, drawing, and design have always been inseparable from my life. My family supported me on this path, and everyone respected my choice. I’ve carried a deep love for what I do, and my family encouraged me to stay true to who I am.

Art has been my true calling since childhood. My family always stood by me in pursuing my passions, and no one ever pressured me to become a designer. Looking back, I realize nothing else could have fulfilled me like painting, drawing, and design. This goes beyond profession—art is woven into my very being.
I find art in everything: in what I see, what I read, even in moments spent in nature where new designs take shape in my mind. This has been my constant companion throughout life.

I design based on social and psychological concepts. I value aesthetics while prioritizing meaningful ideas. The timelessness of my work has always been my true commitment. In the future, I plan to stay innovative and avoid repetition. My priority is to convey new messages and experiment with materials to create novel pieces.

Young designers should learn the basics of design first. I believe in classic education in the design process to gain proper knowledge of color palettes, composition, and other fundamental rules. After understanding these foundations, they can begin to choose their own style.
Some designers try to innovate without paying attention to basic design principles. This will set them back in the future. Young designers must fight the fear of failure and keep updating their skills with modern technology. They also need to study artwork by established artists carefully to learn from them.
However, avoiding imitation is equally crucial - this is the only path to developing an original style. They should believe in themselves and cultivate their own creative voice rather than copying others' work. True design comes from understanding the rules, then making them your own.

A good designer is someone who spends much time and works hard, but a great designer is one who has endured much and walked a long path. A great designer studies deeply what they wish to create and never turns away from the fear of failure.
For creating great design, there are no shortcuts. The road is hard and long - but worthy and glorious.

When I see good design, I first appreciate the idea behind it. Aesthetics matter deeply to me. Some designers chase complexity, but true artistry blossoms when beauty is honored. Innovation alone isn't enough - what's new must also be beautiful.
Great design comes from originality that rejects imitation, creating work that's both innovative and visually sublime.

The true value of a design cannot be measured materially. Each creation carries part of the designer's soul - their heart and feelings poured into form. Behind every unique design lies a world of experience; designers endure much to bring their visions to life.
When you encounter an extraordinary, distinct design, know this: its creator has struggled for years through learning, failures, and hard-won experience to reach this point. A remarkable design is never just an object - it is the culmination of a devoted artist's lifelong journey.
When we invest in a unique design, its true worth transcends material calculation - it carries spiritual significance. Such designs never fade with passing trends; unlike ordinary objects, they grow more precious with time, as we witness in the enduring works of master artists. Time doesn't diminish these creations - it consecrates them.

My greatest desire is to blend the art of painting with jewelry design. As I’ve shared, painting is my deepest passion—and through my work, I strive to build a bridge between these two beautiful disciplines.

Perhaps the secret to my success lies in my background in the principles of painting. As someone who has painted for years, I’ve developed an intimate understanding of color palettes, forms, and composition—harmony lives deep in my heart. Jewelry design wasn’t my first path; I studied graphic design and have painted my entire life. But I’ve always stayed curious, relentlessly learning everything related to my craft. When I design, I prioritize artistry over business—the creative vision always comes first.
My love for literature also fuels my creativity; I’m a true bookworm, and stories inspire fresh ideas. Another layer comes from psychology—my academic training in the subject helps me weave deeper meaning into my work, connecting art to the human experience.

I’m drawn to designs that are truly unique—where artistry breathes life into every piece. The best designers, to me, aren’t those who chase trends or overcomplicate to impress. Instead, they honor aesthetics and the quiet soul hidden within their work. They create with purity, rejecting imitation, because their vision carries its own signature. For them, it’s never just about marketing; it’s about art.

My Spring Dance, which won the Platinum Award, is one of my proudest creations. I have many other designs that I am fond of, but I faced a lot of challenges in making this necklace. I wanted it to be beautiful, distinctive, and practical at the same time. I had to pay attention to various aspects of design. The concept of designing Spring Dance was based on a psychological idea and a story that was narrated by myself. In the process of crafting this necklace, although I faced many challenges, I learned a lot, too. I got tired on my path, but I didn’t give up until I got to the final result. I learned how perseverance could pay off. Spring Dance is not merely a beautiful jewelry design. To me, it holds countless sweet and bitter memories, with valuable lessons I learned.

Spring Dance is versatile jewelry. I wanted more than a glamorous piece for rare occasions; I wanted to create something both unique and wearable, something practical for every occasion. That’s why I designed it to transform into six distinct styles, breaking the boundaries of traditional jewelry.
My new collection, Once Upon a Time, is a highly distinctive line crafted from unconventional materials that pushed my skills to new limits. Inspired by old tales, I created a delicate yet glorious set of jewelry, each piece conveying deep and meaningful messages.

If people want to improve to be better designers, they should remain updated and curious. They should keep learning in their own field. Studying the work of successful artists who have been working in the field of design for years would help them learn a lot. Instead of imitating such artworks, they should look at them as a lesson to upgrade. To reach success, an artist should stay fearless and not be afraid of obstacles. Success comes from countless failures. Failures hide valuable lessons that help us recognize our weaknesses and flaws. Knowing such defects helps an artist move forward. Keeping away from frustration is the key to reaching our ultimate goal.

If I hadn’t become a designer, I would probably be a professional painter. If not that, I would’ve been a psychologist

Design matters because designers make the world a more beautiful and convenient place to live in. A jewelry designer doesn’t merely craft precious metals and gemstones; they create symbols of confidence and elegance, infusing each piece with meaning. An industrial designer solves problems, turning friction into ease. Architects and interior designers transform empty spaces into places pulsing with life and purpose.
At its core, design is a gift—a fusion of artistry and empathy. With every creation, a designer pours a fragment of their soul into their work, offering it to the world not just as a product, but as a gesture of care. It’s the quiet magic of making life not just functional, but beautiful.

Art has always cherished by my family, and their support has shaped my creative journey. From my earliest days clutching a paintbrush to my first steps in jewelry design, my parents stood firmly behind me—seeking out the finest teachers, believing in my potential even before I could see it myself. And when I began this path, my sister became my brightest champion, whispering words that still echo in my work: 'You will be among the greatest.' Her faith, like my parents', taught me to trust my vision even when doubt crept in. This is more than encouragement—it's the foundation that lets me create fearlessly.

My success as a designer is based on four factors: passion for design, which keeps me moving forward through challenges; perseverance, which turns failures into growth; constant support from my family; and a permanent eagerness for learning new skills.

My parents gave me the gift of an exceptional education in painting, nurturing my artistic roots with care. But my path in jewelry design was one I had to walk alone—no family legacy to guide me, no inherited workshop to step into. While many in this field grow up surrounded by generations of knowledge, I faced the silence of uncharted territory. Every technique, every secret of the craft, I uncovered through trial and error. Yet that solitude became my strength. With each stumble, I rose more determined; with every uncertainty, I learned to trust my vision. The road was longer this way, but the rewards are sweeter—because every skill I possess, every piece I create, bears the mark of my own unwavering spirit. What I’ve achieved wasn’t handed to me; it was forged through the quiet, steady steps of a dreamer who refused to turn back.

Presentation is the final step of creation—when your design meets the world. Whether at exhibitions or on social media, how you showcase your work decides if it stands out or gets overlooked. I’ve seen amazing designs fade into the background simply because their presentation didn’t succeed. That’s why a designer must control this process. No one else understands your vision like you do. The right place and right timing to present, a good angle, lighting, color, and composition —these small details turn your work into a masterpiece

I want to create a series of designs inspired by Persian heritage – but with my own fresh style. Many designers use our culture’s history and monuments, but I want to show it in a new way that’s truly mine.
I also plan to make another series based on psychological ideas. Both will have my unique artistic vision – connecting culture and emotions through jewelry design.

As a jewelry designer, I might be seen as someone who creates luxurious items. But I have a purpose in what I do. Through designing jewelry, I want to take an effective step to deliver meaningful ideas to others and expose important issues to people who don’t pay enough attention to them. Having a message behind my jewelry is my priority. I use the mesmerizing appearance of my pieces to capture public attention, and then it becomes easier to convey my hidden meaning. That is a tool in the hands of a designer—using aesthetics to communicate with society and make them hear her voice.

They certainly expect me to create original and unique designs. My work needs to be distinctive, delivering a meaningful concept. When I present a new design, it has to hold some innovation, showing progress and growth. This improvement could be observed in the idea, technique, or aesthetics.

Nothing is as pure and strong as art for communicating with people. The source of art is from the artist’s soul, and that is the secret key that helps the artist to deliver their message. Art can express the issues of society. Writers with their words, painters with their paints, and designers with their creations—they all can deliver issues that exist in society, but no one pays attention to them. That is the duty of every artist to express such thoughts and help others find a solution. For instance, to deliver my messages I work on designs and collections to raise awareness about environmental pollution, wildlife protection, social issues, historical aspects about my heritage, psychological ideas, and so on.

The Circle of Love collection is one of my favorite works. A combination of simplicity and precise details, it easily conveys the romantic message I wanted to deliver.
Spring Dance, being a challenging design, is one of my proudest creations, with its mesmerizing form and accurate mechanics.
And Mayura, with its rare blue pearl matched with a unique structure, delivers the message of feminine self-confidence and strength.

AI will likely dominate jewelry design in the future—we already see it creating many designs today. While it can be a helpful tool, it worries me when designers rely completely on AI. That creates work without a human soul or true meaning. AI should assist, not replace. I hope that classic design principles never get forgotten. Technology would never be a replacement for conventional artistic methods of design; it can only be an assisting tool to facilitate the process.

Each design has its own timeline. For complex pieces like Spring Dance, solving the challenges of versatility and structure takes 3-4 months. Simpler designs come together faster. The process always adapts to what the creation demands.

Inspiration strikes anywhere - a beautiful stone, a powerful story, a psychological concept, an ancient monument, a painting’s colors, or a moment in nature. These all can spark a jewelry design. The instant the idea comes, I see the complete piece in my mind: the setting, shapes, and gemstones perfectly assembled. From that first flash of inspiration, every detail is already alive in my imagination.

My design philosophy is simple: Trust your own mind. True creativity means never imitating others. Our world overflows with untouched inspiration - why copy when you can create? A real designer is an endless well of originality. That’s where true art lives - in courage, not copies.

Technology can assist designers, but it’s no substitute for an artist’s hand—especially in jewelry design. If a designer can’t create the core lines of their work by hand, technology won’t bridge that gap. Sometimes I use tools like Procreate just to accelerate my working process, but my designs are always done with hand drawing.
The same applies to crafting: while technology offers precision, you can always feel the difference between machine-made and handcrafted pieces.

Color speaks to me. A single gemstone’s glow, the way light moves through an ancient monument, nature’s endless palette - these are where my designs begin. To create true art, a designer must understand color’s language - how hues converse, how they dance together. This harmony lives in everything I design.

When people first see my jewelry, they're naturally drawn to its beauty and precious materials. But as an artist who designs with intention, I want more - I want their curiosity to grow. To wonder about the stories woven into each piece. To notice the precise details, inside and out, because I craft every angle with equal care. Most of all, I want wearers to feel the message alive in my work long after they put it on. My jewelry isn't just meant to adorn - it's meant to speak.

When I see an extraordinary design, I see more than beauty—I see the journey. I feel deep respect for the creator’s dedication, because I know what it truly takes: years of wisdom, relentless effort, and pure passion. That moment of recognizing true mastery fills me with joy.

My designs are shaped by many ideas and thoughts: psychological studies, art theory texts, biographies of master painters - even great novels or old tales leave their mark. Each page I read becomes potential inspiration, transforming theory and human stories into tangible beauty.

As an award-winning designer, I never stop learning. True skill means always being a student. Success brings greater challenges: your reputation depends on constant growth. Staying relevant means being a level higher than your previous version in every step you take.

Of course, seeing my hard work recognized feels rewarding - but this isn't the finish line. I refuse to settle at any achievement. Each milestone actually deepens my responsibility: to push further, to create richer, more meaningful work. These honors aren't endpoints - they're fuel.

My favorite places are my homeland, with its ancient history, rich culture, and inspiring landscapes, and Dubai, my current home, where modernity and opportunity bloom beneath desert skies. It is a peaceful and safe country with all its beauty and friendly people.
Italy is another place I like, with its warm people, magnificent monuments, and rich cultural spirit. Some of my fondest memories were made in Italy.
Among seasons, I like spring for being the season for rebirth, and winter, because I really like the serenity of snowfall. My favorite color is various shades of blue.
At the table, I prefer fresh vegetables and salads, and I’m very fond of seafood.

My parents expected me to become an artist since my childhood. Every wallpaper in our house was covered with my paintings, and everyone visiting our home could have a tour of my childish artwork. I remember painting on every surface I found, even on napkins. Drawing and painting was always my true passion. I always gave my paintings to my friends as a gift.

In a thousand years, the meaning of art will be different from what we perceive in art today. When we look at prehistoric artwork these days, we deeply feel the difference between those artworks and what we call art today. The same thing will happen with the artwork created a thousand years from now. The progress of technology in the field of art will be immense.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank A' Design for organizing this competition. I appreciate the effort put into creating such a valuable experience for all participants.It’s clear that a lot of thought and hard work went into making this competition successful.

My brand, Mergin, was founded in Dubai in 2020 and features bespoke jewelry born from unique designs that blend rare, high-quality gemstones with a poetic palette of ethereal colors. Since its inception, my designs have won sixteen international awards. Each piece tells a story, reflecting my belief that jewelry should be timeless, captivating, and a true embodiment of art. Mergin strives to pioneer a new wave of originality in jewelry design, conveying not only aesthetic beauty but also meaningful messages rooted in social, environmental, or psychological themes.

Design is a gift—it mixes art and care. When designers create, they put part of themselves into their work. It’s not just a product—it’s a way of making life more beautiful, and make the world a better place to live in.

Considering that I am a jewelry designer, I like to design unique and innovative pieces, holding a meaningful concept inside. While being distinctive creations, I like my design to hold aesthetic and visual beauty. A fine design is timeless and becomes more valuable in the passage of time.

My favorite design is Spring Dance, which won the Platinum Prize. While I love all my work, this piece is deeply personal. The idea came from a psychological concept and a story I invented, and every detail had to be perfect. I faced setbacks and technical obstacles—but these struggles taught me resilience. I kept pushing until my vision came to life. Spring Dance taught me that perseverance pays off.
What makes Spring Dance special isn’t just its beauty—it’s how versatile it is. I didn’t want it to be a masterpiece hidden away for special events. Instead, I aimed for something unique, wearable, and practical for everyday life. That’s why I designed it to transform into six different styles, defying traditional jewelry norms

I am deeply drawn to white gold. Among gemstones, my favorites are pearl, Paraiba tourmaline, and opal. I also adore diamonds, and heart-shaped diamonds are my favorite. I am also fascinated by blue titanium. Hand sketching inspires me far more than digital tools—anything involving painting with colors, pencils, and brushes energizes my creativity. As a painter, working with pencils and brushes truly cheers me up. I prefer handmade manufacturing and am skilled in the artistic technique of wax for creating jewelry. Enameling is another favorite of mine, though I approach it unconventionally. I reinvent it in a modern, fresh style, which I find utterly delightful.

Whether I'm reading a new story, discovering a psychological idea, spending time in nature, or admiring a unique gemstone - each experience fuels my creativity.

When designing, I consider many aspects—aesthetics, color harmony, hidden stories, and fine details. I pay attention to every angle of my jewelry because I want it to look perfect from every perspective. I design with timelessness in mind, ensuring my jewelry becomes only more valuable with time.

When I design, pure joy fills me. From the very first moment, I can see the finished piece in my mind. Design always brings me happiness - playing with colors and shapes is my deepest passion. But when a meaningful message or captivating story can shine through my creation, that's when the process becomes truly special.

When my designs are realized, I feel truly happy. It’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s also about sharing the story behind it. Explaining the inspiration and process that shaped each piece adds deeper meaning to my work.

A great design starts with a fresh idea and strong execution. For it to work well, it needs careful planning and research related to the production techniques and methods, as well as material quality. Designer must consider the process of production while working on the design, so the design does not face practical problems during the manufacturing.

The most important thing to me is the uniqueness of the design. I don’t approve of any kind of imitation. A design should be based on an idea or concept—that’s essential. Aesthetics matter just as much, though that doesn’t necessarily mean the design has to look complex. I also care deeply about color harmony and high quality of the material. And above all, I want the final piece to be comfortable to wear.

A designer can reflect social issues through their work, which makes them responsible to society. They might even help solve these issues through their creative expression. For instance, in one of my collections, I aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

AI will undoubtedly transform design and completely change the game. I hope designers use AI solely as a tool to enhance their workflow, not as a replacement for creativity. Art’s beautiful soul risks being eroded by technology and artificial intelligence if we fail to preserve our mindful approach. AI cannot pour genuine meaning into design; ideas born from the human soul carry a depth and resonance that AI-generated work simply cannot replicate.

My last exhibition was held in Paris, France, at the Precious Room. Most likely, the upcoming exhibition will be at the A’ Design Gala Night in Milan.

A single gemstone’s glow, the way light moves through an ancient monument, nature’s endless palette—these are where my designs begin. To create true art, a designer must understand color’s language—how hues and forms converse and how they dance together.

I create jewelry that’s both practical and meaningful. Having a concept is essential for me, while designing a multifunctional structure is my signature to achieve practical features of the design. Every piece is made to be looked at from every angle, so I carefully check every detail.
I use unique gemstones—rare and full of personality—to make each design stand out.
My aim is to apply traces of modern design to my classically designed pieces.

I am from Iran, a country that is very rich in cultural heritage with breath-taking monuments and natural landscapes. Its artistic background and rich literature provides me with a wide range of ideas to create new designs. If looked closely, the footprint of my homeland culture is obvious, and in the future it will be seen too.
I currently live in Dubai, a cosmopolitan which is one of the most progressed places in the world with its unique beauty and charm . That allows me to have the opportunity of meeting and knowing different cultures and that would influence my design too.

They may review their work experience, background, and portfolio to evaluate their design capabilities. It’s not just about the design itself—the final outcome must also be examined to assess the manufacturing process.

Inspiration strikes anywhere - a beautiful stone, a powerful story, a psychological concept, an ancient monument, a painting’s colors, or a moment in nature. These all can spark a jewelry design. The instant the idea comes, I see the complete piece in my mind: the setting, shapes, and gemstones perfectly assembled. From that first flash of inspiration, every detail is already alive in my imagination.
The design is mainly done using classic hand-drawn methods, and sometimes, it is done with Procreate software. Then, depending on the design, I decide whether it should be hand-made or a 3D version. Finally, it moves into the manufacturing stages

They must start by mastering classic design fundamentals. To stay relevant and updated, they should immerse themselves in workshops and the continuous learning of new skills. Studying and analyzing grandmasters’ masterpieces becomes essential. This should be done while staying aware that they need to avoid imitating ideas and designs. Above all, they must embrace that relentless effort drives success—moments of despair are always temporary.

My golden rule is this: study, learn, practice, and never give up in the face of difficulty.

To master classic design fundamentals—especially in jewelry design—learning composition, perspective, color harmony, and mastering the color palette is vital.

My toolbox consists of colored pencils, gouache, oil paints, a black pencil for drawing, and my iPad. I am deeply passionate about working with a brush and pencils, and nothing can improve my spirit more than combining the colors and creating forms with my hands.

Design is a time-consuming process, but I enjoy every second of it, and I don’t feel the passing of time while I’m busy designing. I wake up very early in the morning, and my day is fully planned the day before so I can follow my schedule in the best possible way. I set priorities to ensure I have enough time for the most important tasks. If any extra time is left, I use it to fulfill other tasks during the day.

It all depends on the design itself. Designing a single ring is very different from designing a complete set of jewelry. It also depends on the design tool; classic design is very different from using software. So, there is no exact answer to this question in the field of jewelry design.

I am mainly asked about the inspiring idea or the design background. I am also asked for information about the gemstones I use in my jewelry, because I usually adorn my pieces with unique, distinct gemstones.

As a jewelry designer, being involved in the manufacturing process helps me improve my design workflow. Design is not only about creating the initial version but also about being actively involved in the production stage, which is vital. One of my most wonderful design experiences emerged during my work on Spring Dance, a piece awarded the Platinum Prize. It is distinct in both design and manufacturing, and the process provided me with invaluable experience.

Those designs that emerge fully from my own thoughts, carry a profound idea or story. Sometimes, a design begins with a unique stone that captivates me with its extraordinary beauty, and the work is based entirely on the gemstone itself. I am always filled with joy to see the result of my passion as a jewelry designer.

I want to create a series of designs inspired by my Persian heritage – but with my own fresh style. Many designers use our culture’s history and monuments, but I want to show it in a new way that’s truly mine.
I also plan to make another series based on psychological ideas. Both will have my unique artistic vision – connecting culture and emotions through jewelry design.

They can reach me via email or WhatsApp, which are available on my Instagram page (mergin_co).

When choosing jewelry, seek pieces that carry meaning as richly as they carry gemstones. The true value lies not in materials alone, but in designs that grow more beautiful with time. My creations are born from this belief: every form and each stone should whisper a story.
Finally, I would like to thank the A' Design Award and the jury for awarding me the Platinum and Silver Prizes. I am deeply grateful and hope to contribute more. Being selected as a winner for two of my designs is profoundly meaningful to me.