Sharifah Bahiyah Jamalullail: The Visionary Jewelry Designer Empowering Women Through Adornment
From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the refined halls of British education, Sharifah Bahiyah Jamalullail has always been drawn to the transformative power of beauty. What began as a childhood fascination—crafting her first pair of silver chandelier earrings—blossomed into ONjA, a jewelry line that marries Asian opulence with global sophistication. Pronounced "Own-Neeya" (a tribute to her parents, "Own" and "Nja"), the brand is a celebration of nature’s vibrancy, feminine strength, and social responsibility.
The ONjA Aesthetic: Where Nature Meets Bold Femininity
Inspired by Asia’s lush tropical landscapes, ONjA’s debut collection features:
Dramatic silhouettes: Finger-engulfing rings, oversized earrings, and sculptural cuffs
Vivid contrasts: Gold-plated sterling silver against bursts of semi-precious stones
Versatility: Pieces that transition from daytime chic to evening allure
"I design for the woman who isn’t afraid to stand out," Sharifah explains. "Whether she’s exploring Bangkok’s markets or a Parisian soirée, ONjA becomes her armor."
Expanding beyond fashion jewelry, Sharifah is developing a fine jewelry line using 18k gold and rare gemstones, further bridging artistry with heirloom quality.
Inspirations: From Surrealism to Social Change
Design Icons
Elsa Schiaparelli: "Her lobster dress taught me fashion could be rebellious art."
Coco Chanel: "Timelessness is its own revolution."
Philanthropic Role Models
Zainab Salbi (Women for Women International)
Queen Rania of Jordan (Education & cross-cultural advocacy)
Oprah Winfrey (Champion of women’s empowerment)
"These women prove elegance and activism aren’t mutually exclusive," she reflects.
Jewelry with a Mission: Empowering Women Through KIVA
For Sharifah, ONjA is more than adornment—it’s a platform for change. With every piece sold, $25 is donated to KIVA, a micro-lending nonprofit that empowers female entrepreneurs worldwide.
Why KIVA?
Sustainable Impact: "It’s not charity—it’s equipping women to build businesses."
Transparency: Donors meet the women they support through profiles on ONjA’s website.
Ripple Effect: "When women thrive, communities transform." (As cited by Kofi Annan)
The ONjA Woman: Confident, Compassionate, Unapologetically Bold
She’s:
Seductive yet subtle (think: gold cuffs with raw emerald edges)
Globally minded (equally at home in Jakarta or Milan)
An advocate (wears her values as boldly as her jewelry)
"Our pieces are for women who write their own rules," Sharifah declares.
Beyond Jewelry: The ONjA Blog
A curated mix of fashion, arts, and hard-hitting gender issues, the ONjA blog reflects Sharifah’s belief that "style and substance must coexist."
Sharifah’s Cultural Diet
Websites: KIVA, TED, TripAdvisor
Blogs: The Sartorialist, Bryanboy, Sea of Shoes
Publications: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Mashable
Sharifah Bahiyah Jamalullail isn’t just designing jewelry—she’s crafting legacies. Each ONjA piece carries the weight of Asian heritage, avant-garde daring, and the promise of a fairer world. In her hands, gold isn’t just metal; it’s a tool for transformation
