Never Thought I’d Have a Workshop in Skopje’s Old Bazaar

That successful stories are born even during a pandemic is shown by the story of Aleksandra, who recently decided to open her own shop in Skopje’s Old Bazaar, where she crafts and sells filigree jewellery.

Our team met Aleksandra, a great admirer of what the endless history of the bazaar offers—the narrow streets, shops, and the way the bazaar lives.

Alexandra, as a young student, decided to begin training in filigree craftsmanship. She says that this craft has always fascinated her as a technique.

In her small shop/workshop, there is a tiny worktable with many delicate tools from which a piece of jewellery is born. She opened her workshop in December 2020, a story that we can say began to flourish during the pandemic.

She learned the craft through training but says that a master goldsmith, whose workshop is also located in the bazaar, played a key role in helping her refine her technique. According to her, the transfer of knowledge and craftsmanship from the older to the younger generation in Skopje’s Old Bazaar is a crucial aspect of preserving tradition.

Her desire for filigree work existed long ago. Alexandra says she was fascinated by it since she was a child while walking through the streets of the bazaar, but she never expected that the story of MORPHO would unfold right here.

For her, the beauty of the bazaar lies in its small shops, tiny workshops, and antique stores that line the winding streets, occupying spaces of 6m², 8m², or 10m². This stands in contrast to the trend dictated by modern times, where we are encouraged to buy branded products from huge stores in enclosed shopping malls.

She describes her work as highly creative and time-consuming. She enjoys the playful interaction between fire and silver wires. As an architecture student, she sees making jewelry as a form of miniature architecture—designing, shaping, and figuring out how all the pieces connect to create a cohesive whole. 

She creates filigree because of its authenticity, uniqueness, and delicacy. She appreciates its ability to connect us with the centuries-old history and traditions that are cherished by our elders, as well as the sense of identity it evokes in people.

Aleksandra aims to challenge the stereotype that filigree jewellery is only for older women. She plans to achieve this by creating contemporary designs that resonate with younger generations. 

She notes that she receives support from various sources. Young people appreciate her designs, and her story inspires many young girls to wear unique filigree pieces and even to engage in the design of their own jewellery.

Silver is often paired with other metals, such as brass, copper, and gold, as well as semi-precious stones, which add a new dimension to filigree designs. 

The Old Bazaar of Skopje is renowned for its many craftsmen who have devoted their lives to their small workshops. Foreign tourists often prioritize visiting the Bazaar when they come to Skopje, as they consider it the heart of the city.