Egyptian Presenter Aya ElGheriany Dazzles In Sartoro Jewelry As She Opens Up About Big Dreams And New Beginnings

The brilliance of the brand’s diamonds, available exclusively at Alfardan Jewellery, reflects her bright future as she shares with Bazaar Qatar how her dreams paved the way to on-screen stardom…

All children dream of the excitement of adulthood, so often filled with adventure and grand career aspirations yet, unfortunately, such hopes may not manifest into reality; life does get in the way and our goals fall wayside to more “realistic” ambitions.

For Egyptian presenter, Aya ElGheriany, dreaming wasn’t enough; she knew she was going to have to make her aspirations of becoming a television sensation a reality, one way or another.

“My childhood dream was to become a presenter or a broadcaster, but I decided to study languages at college in Paris,” she said, adding “When I did not major in media, I thought this would be the end. I then started working for an international organisation, but the dream was still alive inside of me. I kept seeing myself holding a microphone, hoping that one day it would happen.”

Aya found inspiration in the stories of media professionals and personalities that did not have a traditional background in journalism and broadcasting, individuals who have still been able to become a success despite their, sometimes, unconventional roots.   

In 2016, Aya participated in a contest launched by a major Egyptian television network. The prize? The opportunity to become a bonafide presenter. “I passed this test successfully”, she recalls.“I was lucky to start my career in presenting a live program.“ This marked the beginning of her media career, and a rising star was born.

Aya soon began presenting at a number of events and art festivals, leading to her hosting an entertainment programme called “Lite Show.” “It was like a lucky charm for me,” she said, noting how the series acted as a springboard for her career. “I received many other offers after I started presenting on the show.”

Despite the fact that she’s worked in media since 2016, she noted that last year was “undoubtedly life-changing” to her. This was no surprise, as Aya made headlines in 2021 after her appearance in the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade.

She participated in presenting this unique historic event alongside a number of Egyptian television and film stars. “The preparation for this event took place many months before it was held. I was perhaps the last person joining the team at that time,” she recalled, adding: “I was eager to watch this event, then I received a phone call, asking me to participate within it. I was truly enthusiastic back then, making me feel that those days passed like seconds.”

A hands-on presenter in every aspect, Aya is always keen to be involved in the scriptwriting processes – and this time, it was more important than ever before to ensure the words she would be saying would be well and truly her own. “Each one of us has that life-changing event in mind. To me, that day was exceptional, as if it marked the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one,” she says.

For her presence in the Golden Parade, Aya chose to wear a gilded dress with gold earrings and a headpiece. “My stylist disagreed with wearing the headpiece in addition to the earrings, but I felt it gave me a bit of luck,” she commented.

A woman with few regrets, Aya notes that she would not change a thing if she went back in time; she believes that her choices brought her closer to people and conveyed the message that she wished to express during this special occasion.

Today, her dreams are flourishing as she begins to reap the fruits of her success – which include a collaboration with Alfardan Jewellery and their brand, Sartoro. “There is no better way to start the new year. I’m honored to be working with Alfardan Jewellery, who have a long-standing heritage in the region,” she added, “it’s a new adventure for me, I’m used to standing in front of the camera as a presenter, but to be molding a precious stone, like diamonds, that is something I never thought that I’ll be doing, and I’m happy that they saw this in me.”

Since being established in 1954, Alfardan Jewellery has become one of the leading companies for high jewellery and watches in the region, bringing highly sought-after brands from all over the world to cater an opulent way of life for women in the GCC. Among these brands is Sartoro Jewelry. Creating jewellery that is both modern and timeless, Sartoro stays ahead of the trends; its innovative spirit and audacious creativity breaks the codes of jewellery design in a relentless journey for challenging techniques, astonishing contrasts, and finesse. The Sartoro collections cover a wide range of moods and inspirations blending classic design layering into a personal, everyday luxury concepts, with complimenting organic jewellery collections as well as wildlife inspired collections.

“I’m used to paying attention to small details, due to the nature of my work, and the details immediately caught my attention when I saw the Sartoro pieces,” she expressed, noting “every piece is full of small details. Even though they are not seen respectively, they look complete altogether.”

Aya’s relationship with jewellery took on new meaning when she received a gift of a beautiful diamond necklace some years ago. “I wore the necklace for many days and then I took it off for one day only. I felt that a part of my soul was missing. Then I realised that diamond is my favourite gemstone. Diamond deserves to be every woman’s best friend, and with no doubt, we deserve it too.”

She then referred to the necklace and bracelet that she always wears. “I wear these pieces on a daily basis. They make me feel safe that I even wear them when sleeping,” she commented, adding “I don’t know why and it might seem insane, but it is the truth.”

Hailing from Menia in Upper Egypt, women in Aya’s family have traditionally inherited gold jewellery, which she sees as symbols of authenticity and loyalty. “My mother inherited the ‘Cardan,’ a big golden necklace from her mother. This piece is still passing from one generation to another in the family as a reminder of past times.”

As for a special piece of jewellery that she would one day wish to gift to her own children, she hasn’t found it yet, but if we were to make a prediction, it would be precious diamonds with both authenticity and contemporary style at their heart.

For more information, visit sartorojewelry.com

Talent: Aya ElGheriany. Photography: Rafid Alloh. Styling: Mohamed Aahmadi. Hair: Natalee at Aldo Coppola. Make-Up: Naghmeh at Aldo Coppola. Styling Assistant: Nour Aburish. Photography Assistant: Ivie Osula. Bazaar Qatar Editor: Bianca Bonomi. Market Editor: Nour Bou Ezz. Producer: Jesse Vora. Studio Manager: Ines Guendouz