November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now

When it comes to jewellery, there’s always a story to tell. We spoke to some of the most inspiring women we know to discover what special jewellery pieces they have and the sentiment behind them.

Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum
Founder of Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery
@sanaalmaktoum

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

When I first started studying jewellery design, my mother gave me one of her bracelets as a gift. I love that she expressed her support in jewellery and that she chose one of her own pieces to give me.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

I remember watching Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the scene where she is wearing a three-chain pearl necklace with a diamond centrepiece and thinking that she looked both elegant and strong.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

I do not have a specific piece of jewellery that has been passed down to me but I do remember growing up and watching my mum and grandmother as well as my older sister and cousins going through their jewellery pieces before every major event like Eid or a wedding. The joy and excitement of those moments are memories I cherish and something I hope to pay forward with those who love my pieces.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

It’s hard to pick as there are so many amazing brands and designers, but I have always been intrigued by Chaumet because I find that their delicate pieces speak to the feminine essence. I recently discovered Noora Shawqi and I love how she uses beautiful gemstones to curate her travel experiences. Her Ceylon Raindrops necklace is beautifully made and a current favourite of mine.

Her Royal Highness Princess Nourah Al-Faisal
Founder of Nuun Jewels
@nuunjewels

Nuun Jewellery

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

I would say my wedding ring for the obvious reasons and a ring I received as a gift from my father that belonged to my grandmother both of whom have passed.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

I can’t say I have a particular memory but I was always drawn to my mother and aunt’s jewellery as a child I remember grabbing their fingers and necklaces.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

I have my grandmother’s ring a Cartier broach that was a gift from my grandfather to her as well and a few other pieces they are a direct link to my family history and they keep the memories of our elders close at hand.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

For me the first and most obvious is JAR but also Grima Jewellery – it is so unique I love their pieces especially from the 50s through the 70s. Those are just two that immediately come to mind. As for the new absolutely HEMMERLE. It’s an Arab woman designing but the work is absolutely stunning one of the strongest brands out there now and I love Fernando Jorge and Ionna Souflia, a Greek designer very original ¬– these are just a few.

Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said
Founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic, the first private specialised mental health and wellbeing clinic in Muscat, Oman
@basmaalsaidofficial @serenitymuscat

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

There are two pieces, one is not sentimental, but I love it; a silver headwear piece that I got from the traditional silver market. I wear it a lot, and you can see it in many of my pictures. But the sentimental one would be my grandmother’s ring, my father’s mother, I lived with her for a long time. She wore a ring Princess Diana had, except Princess Diana’s ring had a Sapphire, but my grandmother’s ring had a black stone.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

The first memory is always seeing my grandmother wearing the ring. It’s so important to me, and I’m blessed to have it.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

That would have to do with my other grandma; she’s from Ireland. We had a ring called an Irish Claddagh ring; it was a ring passed to me from her. Interestingly, both my grandmothers have given me unique rings. The Irish Claddagh ring has a heart; when you’re married, you turn the ring around, and when you’re single, you put it upwards.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

I would say two brands stand the test of time and they are Cartier and Rolex. The one that I have recently rediscovered, and I’ve loved it all my life, was Tiffany&Co. It’s related to my teenage years; I used to love having the Tiffany blue box with a ribbon.

Latifa Al Gurg
Founder of Twisted Roots
@twisted_roots

twisted-roots-latifa-algurg

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

My engagement ring, because it signifies the start of my life with my husband.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

My father giving me long, gold earrings set with turquoise stones when he came back from a trip to Tunisia.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

My grandmother’s gold hoop earrings. She passed it down to me when I was born. They are beautiful and remind me of her all the time.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

There are so many that have stood the test of time, like Chaumet, Boucheron and Harry Winston. For new discoveries, I’ve recently fallen in love with Suzanne Kalan, Shay Jewelry and Kamyen.

Noha Nabil
Kuwaiti Influencer
@nohastyleicon

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

My first perpetual calendar watch by Patek Phillipe. It’s limited to five pieces worldwide and I own the only piece in Kuwait. With the beautiful exclusive rainbow diamond setting, I’ve never been so obsessed with complicated watches! It’s definitely a museum piece!

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

A pair of pink diamond earrings that my dad gave me when I was born. Of course, I don’t remember the specific the moment I got them but I grew up never taking them off until I was 12! You can see them in every picture of my childhood literally.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

We don’t have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

Chaumet definitely stands the test of time. This iconic brand makes you feel that you are wearing history. As for new brands I really love Messika. The designer seems to understand the modern woman’s taste and lifestyle perfectly.

Mahira Abdelaziz
MBC TV Anchor
@mahiraabdelaziz

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

My wedding ring. I don’t wear it on a daily basis but it took me months to find the cut and shape and design that I liked. It was love at first sight.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

My mum’s rings – she is a ring person. She had a huge collection and I loved playing dress-up with them.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

A pearl necklace was given to me by my mum when I graduated from school and a pure gold necklace given to me by my dad when I graduated from university to teach me the importance of investing even when it comes to jewellery.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

Bvlgari, Van Cleef, Chopard, Cartier, Graff and Tiffany & Co. definitely stand the test of time and have timeless pieces that set the trends throughout history. I’m also loving the new Piaget designs as well as Dior jewellery. Messika also have beautiful pieces.

Hakima Al Said
Founder of HAK The Label
@hakthelabel

HAK The Label

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

My grandmother’s emerald ring because it reminds me of her.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

What comes to mind are my mother’s rings, which she always wore and has now given them to me. One is a thick gold band with rubies and the other is a Cartier Trinity ring. I also remember my grandmother’s emerald and sapphire rings, which she would wear every day.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

The rings mentioned and a few more pieces from my grandmother. It’s really special to be able to wear jewellery that my grandmother and mother loved. It connects us on a deeper level and is a way of telling our family story.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

Cartier, even their modern designs are classic. As for new discoveries, I’m loving Fernando Jorge, Suzanne Kalan, Bijules and Vibe Harsloef.

Jude Benhalim
Founder and designer of Jude Benhalim Jewelry
@jude.benhalim

Egyptian jewellery brand Jude Benhalim unveils a new collection

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

I own several of the very first pieces I designed back in 2012 and still wear them sometimes. I guess they mean so much to me because they represent my journey – my personal and professional growth and development. They also humble me and remind me of how far we’ve come as a brand.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

When I was a child, I used to love going to the Egyptian local markets to buy colourful stones and beads to make beaded bracelets. My mum used to help me set up a small booth near our beach house during the summer where I would sell the bracelets to my friends and family. I have such a vivid memory of these moments, I used to love the whole process.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

I have a pair of gold hoops that was passed on from my grandma to my mum and then to me. I love them, I wear them all the time. I want to hold on to them and pass them on to my children as well. I don’t think hoops can ever go out of style – they keep coming back!

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

I think Azza Fahmy was definitely able to stand the test of time with her timeless creations; I’ve always admired that about the brand and I love to support local brands. I recently discovered a beautiful Lebanese jewellery brand: L’atelier Nawbar. The brand is so unique and I can’t wait to get my hands on my favourite piece!

Nadine Kanso
Founder of Bil Arabi
@nadinekanso, @bilarabi

dubai jewellery designer nadine kanso watch

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

I have pieces that I got when I was a child and someone they are nostalgic, I don’t wear them though as they are childish, but I have a beautiful heart that my mom never took off until I graduated and then she gave it to me, this is a precious piece that I cherish.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

Beautiful earrings my mother wore from a Greek designer. They are super light though not small but very charming and reminds me of summer days, beach and sunsets.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

Not really as both my mum and dad were not firstborn so what has been passed are their own which has a great sentimental value to me.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

I have a soft spot for Bvlgari, especially the vintage pieces, and I think they do stand the test of time with their unbeatable elegance. Not so new discoveries but also love their work – David Webb and Taffin.

Fatma Al Otaiba
Founder of Odeem
@odeem_official

ODEEM handbags

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

The most precious and sentimental would be a Piaget vintage watch that was my late father’s. Having something that he owned and wore means a lot to me.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

My first memory is a gold and black onyx pendant I’ve had since I was two-years-old and wore all the time. My father had ordered it while he was on a trip to Japan. He sketched my name in Arabic for them to engrave on the pendant. I cherish and wear it to date.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

My grandfather’s silver and onyx ring with his signature engraved. It was also used as a stamp on official documents and letters.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

Cartier and Bvlgari stand the test of time to me. In terms of new discoveries, Carolina Bucci is an Italian designer which I discovered over Instagram. I have purchased some pieces from her beautiful London boutique and really love the playfulness of her designs.

Her Excellency Dr Sara Al Madani
Founder of HalaHi, Social Fish and Proposal Cupids
@sara_almadani_

 

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What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

I think the most precious jewellery I own is a ring I customised with my name’s initial letter and my sons’ initial letter and I’ve been wearing it for five years.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

It’s when my mother gave me a necklace she used to wear she was pregnant with me. I felt like she passed her legacy to me.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

No, we’ve never had a piece of jewellery passed from generation to generation, but that would’ve been interesting.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

I’m not a person attached to one brand, but I love Tiffany and Cartier’s stories. There are a lot of bold statements that I love in both of these brands. In general, I’m not a person that sticks to one jewellery brand. I like to try and test things and look different now and then.

Sheikha Dana Al Khalifa
Bahraini fashion blogger and businesswoman
@theoverdressed

 

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A post shared by theoverdressed (@theoverdressed)

What’s the most precious or sentimental piece of jewellery you own and why?

So many. My jewellery box is tightly edited there’s nothing so-so in it. The nature of jewellery is for it to tell a story and have a personal meaning. If I had to choose I would go back a long time to when I was 16. My mother gifted me a gold chain with six round diamonds-the first piece of jewellery I loved so much. It is now an essential layering piece.

What’s your first memory of a piece of jewellery?

My mother‘s earrings! I think I was six or seven we were playing puppets and somehow my mother’s earrings got stuck inside a puppets head. She was distraught thinking she lost one of the pairs until it re-emerged. They were gold clip-on No name Italian brand she wears them to this day.

Do you have an heirloom or piece of jewellery which has been passed down in your family? If so, what significance does it hold to you?

Yes, from my grandmother I received a small diamond which I had reset. It is very special to me. My grandmother was from a bygone era. When you travelled with trunks and wore hats. She was very elegant, so regal and very beautiful. She loved that I loved the same things she did.

Which brand do you feel stands the test of time and which are new discoveries you love?

The masters of jewellery for me were Bvlgari and Cartier. The archival pieces, not the market entry products, these I feel are incredible. You can’t overlook brands like Luca Carati that are so Italian and beautifully so. I love a classic jewellery look that is perfectly finished – that’s what I look for. As for new discoveries, everything on TheOverdressed.co is chosen to reflect this, we strive to provide an edit of future classics so you love it today and tomorrow.

November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now

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Images: Supplied