Yazd has officially been recognized as the twelfth Iranian city to earn the title of World City of Handicrafts—this time for its rich tradition in crafting traditional jewelry.
The Deputy of Handicrafts in Yazd Province announced the international recognition of the city’s jewelry-making heritage, highlighting its global registration as a center of excellence in this craft.
As reported by ISNA, Abdolmajid Arabi explained that traditional jewelry-making has long been a prominent branch of Iranian handicrafts, deeply rooted in the history of various regions and ethnic groups across the country. He noted that the designs and motifs of these ornaments reflect the beliefs, culture, and customs of local communities, which is why the style of jewelry differs widely across Iran.
He highlighted that gold jewelry has long held a special place in the culture of Yazd, both as a practical adornment and a form of financial investment. Traditional Yazdi jewelry stands out for several reasons: the use of high-purity gold, remarkable design diversity, a strong local preference for handcrafted pieces, unique techniques specific to Yazd, and relatively low production costs. These qualities have made Yazdi gold especially attractive to buyers and have boosted demand.
Arabi went on to say that Yazd was named the National City of Jewelry in 2020. Following that recognition, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s Department of Handicrafts and Traditional Arts began efforts to secure international status for the craft. The proposal was introduced at a summit in Uzbekistan and received strong support from global evaluators.
According to the province’s deputy for handicrafts, a delegation from the World Crafts Council visited Yazd in March 2025 to assess the city’s nomination. As of today, Yazd has officially been recognized as the World City of Traditional Jewelry.
