Artisan Highlights: The Story of Samer and Toufiq Kattan, The Son and Father Silversmiths of Bethlehem

Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem's old city, behind ancient stone walls and beneath arched ceilings, is a tiny workshop brimming with history and tradition. This is where son and father duo, Samer and Toufiq Kattan, practice the age-old craft of silversmithing.

Toufiq, the father, has been a silversmith for over 40 years. He passed down the intricate skills of the trade to his son Samer, who started learning the craft in 2012. At first, Samer was simply intrigued by his father’s work, but as time went on, he became more attached to it. Today, Samer is not only continuing the family tradition but also adding his own touch to the legacy. “I feel proud of myself,” Samer says. “I’m doing something I love, something I learned from my father, and I’ll carry it with me for life.”

In their small workshop, the Kattan’s use traditional methods to create stunning pieces of sterling silver jewelry. Their latest work, Zaytouna Jewelry, takes inspiration from one of Palestine’s most iconic symbols – the olive tree. The idea for Zaytouna Jewelry came to life when they partnered with designer Nadira alAraj. Nadira had learned how to cast olive leaves through specialized training, and together, they decided to use this technique to create a unique collection of jewelry.

Zaytouna Jewelry is truly special because each piece is made using real olive leaves harvested from ancient Roman olive trees in Bethlehem. The olive leaves are only harvested twice a year, and each one must be a certain thickness to be cast into silver. Since the molds can only be used once, every single piece of jewelry is completely unique. Samer and Toufiq put immense care into this process, even melting down the sterling silver and starting over if a cast isn’t perfect. “It’s old-school silversmithing,” Samer explains. “Everything is handcrafted, from the wires on the hoop earrings to the joints that connect the olive leaves in a necklace or bracelet.” 

For the Kattan family, being able to continue their silversmithing work is more than just a livelihood – it’s a way to hold on to their roots. As one of the Christian families of Beit Jala and Bethlehem, Samer and Toufiq belong to a community that’s sadly shrinking due to the military occupation and continuing illegal settlement expansion in Palestine. Many of their neighbors and relatives have emigrated, unable to sustain themselves in a place that’s economically suffocated by Israeli settlements, blockades, and frequent military incursions.

Bethlehem, once a bustling hub of tourism, has suffered greatly in recent years. The Kattan’s, like many others, relied heavily on visitors coming to the Old City, but since COVID and especially following the recent war and violence towards Palestine since October 7th, tourism has come to a standstill. The economy is back to zero but the Kattan’s jewelry line with Nadira has been able to carry them forward.

In a place where life is so uncertain, Samer finds peace in his craft. “It’s my escape from all the bad things happening in Palestine,” he says. “It’s like a hobby and a safe place to spend the day in.”

The Kattan’s’ story is not just about beautiful jewelry – it’s about resilience, heritage, and hope. Through Zaytouna Jewelry, Samer and Toufiq continue to create something truly meaningful, both for themselves and for the people who wear their pieces. And in a world that feels increasingly difficult, that connection is priceless.

Make sure to check out (and buy) the Zaytouna Jewelry and Kattan collection here.