About Our Artisans: Micro Mosaics by Galassia Jewelry

At Handmade Palestine, our artisans are at the heart of everything we do. So we're super excited to launch a new series spotlighting the talented makers behind our craft. In this first interview, we speak with Mahmoud Rabah and Thikriyat Qarabsa of Galassia Jewelry, a micro mosaic jewelry studio based in Bethlehem. Their journey is one of creativity, cultural pride, and resilience—a powerful example of how Palestinian heritage can be reimagined as stunning, wearable art.

1. What is your name and where are you from?

We are Galassia Jewelry, a partnership between Mahmoud Rabah and Thikriyat Qarabsa, and we're from Bethlehem, Palestine.

2. What kind of craft do you make?

We specialize in micro mosaic jewelry—a rare and intricate art form that brings together centuries of history in miniature, wearable designs.

3. How did you learn your craft?

Galassia was born out of a shared love for heritage and art. Back in 2013, Mahmoud was studying archaeology and arts while restoring ancient mosaic floors across Palestine. These pieces held powerful stories—some dating back to Roman times—and they sparked an idea: what if this ancient art could be turned into jewelry?

When Mahmoud reconnected with Thikriyat, a fellow artist and university colleague, they realized their shared passion could lead to something greater. Together, they revived the lost art of micro mosaics and brought it into the contemporary world, creating jewelry that tells the stories of the past with the aesthetics of the present.

4. How long have you been doing this work?

The idea started in 2013, and we’ve been developing Galassia ever since.

5. Is Galassia a family business?

While it's not an inherited family tradition, Galassia is a partnership built on mutual trust, creativity, and support. It’s also a growing part of our community in Bethlehem.

6. What do you love most about making your craft?

We love seeing how tiny pieces of stone come together to form something beautiful and whole. Each mosaic tile is a building block of art, history, and personal expression.

7. What does this craft mean to you personally?

Mahmoud: Galassia is my space of freedom. It allows me to express my artistic and idealistic visions—where I feel most like myself.

Thikriyat: For me, it’s about patience and love. Each delicate stone I place carries emotion and meaning. It’s a quiet, expressive art that lets my imagination become something people can touch and wear.

8. Where do you create your pieces? What’s special about your location?

Our workshop is in Bethlehem, where Galassia was born. We exhibited our work for the first time at a local market for religious tourism. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive—people from all over the world were captivated by the detail and story in each piece.

9. Why is it important to keep this traditional craft alive in Palestine?

Micro mosaic is a historic art form once reserved for Roman elites. Today, we are reimagining it from the heart of Palestine, turning it into contemporary jewelry rooted in our cultural identity. Reviving this art is a way of preserving and celebrating our history while creating something entirely new.

10. How does your work reflect Palestinian heritage?

We often draw inspiration from ancient mosaic sites like the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and Hisham’s Palace in Jericho. Many of our designs also incorporate national symbols—the map of Palestine, Handala, doves of peace, and traditional village homes—to tell the story of our people.

11. Do you use any traditional materials or symbols in your designs?

Yes, we use geometric motifs and symbols found in Roman and Byzantine mosaics, and we incorporate local materials, including Jerusalem stone. Each design is a fusion of the ancient and the modern, imbued with Palestinian memory and meaning.

12. How does it feel to see people around the world wearing your jewelry?

It’s incredibly humbling. We’ve worked hard to achieve a high level of craftsmanship and artistic integrity, and it means so much to see that resonate globally. Galassia’s success proves that even something as simple as a stone can carry a beautiful, powerful message.

The Craft

13. Can you walk us through how you create a piece?

Of course! Each piece follows a careful, handcrafted process:

1. We begin with design selection.
2. We test materials like stones, glass, and shells.
3. Stones are cut into tiny particles by hand.
4. We then arrange the pieces based on the design.
5. After, we create the mold in silver or gold.
6. The mosaic is set inside the mold.
7. Finally, we polish the piece for finishing.

14. What materials do you use and where do you source them?

• Silver & gold – from local Palestinian suppliers
• Stones – from the mountains of Palestine
• Glass – imported from Italy
• Gemstones – sourced internationally
• Necklaces – purchased from local merchants

15. Are there any unique techniques or symbols with cultural meaning?

Absolutely. Many of our symbols are drawn from ancient civilizations across the Mediterranean, and we also focus on Palestinian national identity through motifs that carry emotional and historical weight.

16. How long does it take to complete one piece?

Depending on the complexity, a single piece can take between 4 and 20 hours to complete.

17. Has your style changed over time?

Yes, we're always evolving artistically and technically. We continually develop new designs that reflect our personal growth and experiences.

The Struggle & the Hope

18. What are some challenges you face as artisans in Palestine?

We face significant economic and political instability, especially since the 2023 Gaza War. Our primary market—tourism in Bethlehem and Jerusalem—was severely impacted, affecting our livelihood.

19. How has the war and political situation impacted your work?

The war caused a dramatic drop in tourism, which is our main source of local sales. It has made it extremely difficult to continue selling inside Palestine.

20. What keeps you going despite the challenges?

Love, partnership, and belief. Galassia is our only source of income, and we've built it together through mutual support and determination. The support from organizations like Handmade Palestine has also helped us reach international customers and keep our dream alive.

21. What are your hopes for the future?

We hope for peace in Palestine, a better future for our children, and for Galassia to become the leading Palestinian brand in micro mosaic jewelry. More than anything, we hope our art continues to travel the world, sharing the stories of our land and our people.

Explore Galassia Jewelry and support the incredible artisans behind each piece. Shop their collection now or learn more about our artisans.