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Hanadi M Habib profile imageHanadi M HabibPublished on

From Gaelle Khouri’s Jean-Jacques Rousseau-inspired collection to Azza Fahmy’s ancient Egyptian-inspired designs, here’s a list of Middle Eastern designers

These jewellery designers from the Middle East are worth their weight in gold

From conceptual fine jewels to jewellery made from recycled waste, creations from these Arab designers are what the region’s most stylish people are wearing

The last decade has seen the fashion scene in the Middle East take the global stage. With designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad dressing A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Emma Stone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the red carpet, it is clear that the region is home to serious talent. Couture and ready-to-wear aside, Arab jewellery labels are also creating quite a buzz. For centuries, jewellery has been an important part of Arab culture, and now, a new breed of jewellery designers is taking on a more experimental and contemporary approach to design.

From Gaelle Khouri’s Jean-Jacques Rousseau-inspired collection to Azza Fahmy’s ancient Egyptian-inspired designs, we take you through the coolest Middle Eastern jewellery designers you need to know about.

Azza Fahmy:Founded in 1969 in Egypt, Azza Fahmy’s namesake label has made quite a name for itself internationally. Aside from collaborating with Julien Macdonald and Preen during fashion weeks, the label expanded its presence by opening a boutique in Jordan, London and a pop-up boutique in Beverly Hills. Using her rich heritage as inspiration, Fahmy creates eye-catching designs in gold and silver with interesting elements—Arabic calligraphy inscriptions, ancient Egyptian motifs like the scarab beetle, arabesque patterns or even a three-headed snake. The Vulture Collar necklace—with multiple pharaonic references including wings and the lotus flower—was inspired by the armlet of an ancient queen from Thebes.Click here to shop

Azza Fahmy:

Founded in 1969 in Egypt, Azza Fahmy’s namesake label has made quite a name for itself internationally. Aside from collaborating with Julien Macdonald and Preen during fashion weeks, the label expanded its presence by opening a boutique in Jordan, London and a pop-up boutique in Beverly Hills. Using her rich heritage as inspiration, Fahmy creates eye-catching designs in gold and silver with interesting elements—Arabic calligraphy inscriptions, ancient Egyptian motifs like the scarab beetle, arabesque patterns or even a three-headed snake. The Vulture Collar necklace—with multiple pharaonic references including wings and the lotus flower—was inspired by the armlet of an ancient queen from Thebes.

Click here to shop

Alexandra Hakim: If you think jewellery can’t be environmentally conscious, British-Lebanese Alexandra Hakim’s designs will make you do a double take. Hakim’s design ethos lies in giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. A necklace crafted from repurposed fishing equipment and earrings made from tuna hooks instantly come to mind. Inspired by everyday objects, including burnt candle wicks, red peppers used to ward off the evil eye and traditional Lebanese chairs, her jewellery is both playful and sophisticated.Click here to shop

Alexandra Hakim: 

If you think jewellery can’t be environmentally conscious, British-Lebanese Alexandra Hakim’s designs will make you do a double take. Hakim’s design ethos lies in giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. A necklace crafted from repurposed fishing equipment and earrings made from tuna hooks instantly come to mind. Inspired by everyday objects, including burnt candle wicks, red peppers used to ward off the evil eye and traditional Lebanese chairs, her jewellery is both playful and sophisticated.

Click here to shop

L’Atelier Nawbar:Craftsmanship and tradition may be the focus of the fourth-generation, family-run jewellery label L’Atelier Nawbar, but there’s always a contemporary twist. From a pinky ring featuring a mother of pearl-shaped lotus with diamonds to an Ayat Kursi necklace which is engraved with a Quranic verse to ward off the evil eye, the pieces are best described as modern-day heirlooms.Click here to shop

L’Atelier Nawbar:

Craftsmanship and tradition may be the focus of the fourth-generation, family-run jewellery label L’Atelier Nawbar, but there’s always a contemporary twist. From a pinky ring featuring a mother of pearl-shaped lotus with diamonds to an Ayat Kursi necklace which is engraved with a Quranic verse to ward off the evil eye, the pieces are best described as modern-day heirlooms.

Click here to shop

HAK The Label:Omani designer Hakima Al Said’s label focuses on fusing modernity with her heritage. Her Wahiba collection was inspired by the amber-coloured sand dunes of the Omani desert and its various flora and fauna. The Rimal necklace, in particular, stands out for its minimalist appeal and geometric detailing—perfect to wear on its own or stacked with other necklaces.Click here to shop

HAK The Label:

Omani designer Hakima Al Said’s label focuses on fusing modernity with her heritage. Her Wahiba collection was inspired by the amber-coloured sand dunes of the Omani desert and its various flora and fauna. The Rimal necklace, in particular, stands out for its minimalist appeal and geometric detailing—perfect to wear on its own or stacked with other necklaces.

Click here to shop

Vanina: What started out as a jewellery line by two friends in Beirut, Vanina is now a full-fledged lifestyle label. While their bags and apparel are playful and glamorous, their jewellery is equally interesting. Think earrings made from repurposed food packaging or a hand-crafted choker made using natural shells and glass beads.Click here to shop

Vanina: 

What started out as a jewellery line by two friends in Beirut, Vanina is now a full-fledged lifestyle label. While their bags and apparel are playful and glamorous, their jewellery is equally interesting. Think earrings made from repurposed food packaging or a hand-crafted choker made using natural shells and glass beads.

Click here to shop

Jude Benhalim:When it comes to fashion jewellery, Egyptian designer Jude Benhalim’s eponymous label uses recycled materials to create experimental pieces by local artisans that transcend seasons. Abstract shapes come to life in the form of interchangeable earrings made from resin, whereas a matte gold necklace with hand-crafted spirals makes for a perfect statement piece.Click here to shop

Jude Benhalim:

When it comes to fashion jewellery, Egyptian designer Jude Benhalim’s eponymous label uses recycled materials to create experimental pieces by local artisans that transcend seasons. Abstract shapes come to life in the form of interchangeable earrings made from resin, whereas a matte gold necklace with hand-crafted spirals makes for a perfect statement piece.

Click here to shop

Nuun Jewels:Founded by HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal of Saudi Arabia, Nuun’s fine jewellery boasts impeccable workmanship. A ring inspired by an ancient tablet featuring oxidised copper and baguettes or a bracelet reminiscent of a goat’s horn crafted from amethyst and reverse diamonds, every design is unique. If you're in Paris, you can check out their boutique on the famed Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.Click here to get in touch

Nuun Jewels:

Founded by HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal of Saudi Arabia, Nuun’s fine jewellery boasts impeccable workmanship. A ring inspired by an ancient tablet featuring oxidised copper and baguettes or a bracelet reminiscent of a goat’s horn crafted from amethyst and reverse diamonds, every design is unique. If you're in Paris, you can check out their boutique on the famed Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Click here to get in touch

Donna Hourani:Seen on the Middle East’s biggest influencers, Donna Hourani’s designs are coveted among the region’s style set. If Queen Rania is wearing her jewellery, we definitely want it. The 2019 Fashion Trust Arabia finalist takes pride in ethically sourced gemstones that are hand-picked by her. Whether it’s the customised Duchess rings or the Countess necklaces with birthstones, Hourani’s pieces are timeless and can be passed down over generations.Click here to get in touch

Donna Hourani:

Seen on the Middle East’s biggest influencers, Donna Hourani’s designs are coveted among the region’s style set. If Queen Rania is wearing her jewellery, we definitely want it. The 2019 Fashion Trust Arabia finalist takes pride in ethically sourced gemstones that are hand-picked by her. Whether it’s the customised Duchess rings or the Countess necklaces with birthstones, Hourani’s pieces are timeless and can be passed down over generations.

Click here to get in touch

uSfuur:Dubai-based jewellery brand uSfuur is all about giving back. Having partnered with a Syrian charity organisation, a percentage of the proceeds from each piece goes towards helping refugee communities. Their dainty and feminine designs often feature a bird motif—’uSfuur’ translates into ‘bird’ in Arabic. You can also find delicate anklets in 18K gold and signet rings.Click here to shop

uSfuur:

Dubai-based jewellery brand uSfuur is all about giving back. Having partnered with a Syrian charity organisation, a percentage of the proceeds from each piece goes towards helping refugee communities. Their dainty and feminine designs often feature a bird motif—’uSfuur’ translates into ‘bird’ in Arabic. You can also find delicate anklets in 18K gold and signet rings.

Click here to shop

Gaelle Khouri:Lebanese designer Gaelle Khouri left a career in finance to start her own jewellery label, and we're grateful for it. With an abstract and conceptual aesthetic, her designs are often inspired by quotes of ancient philosophers, making them more like objets d'art. Think architectural pieces in interesting materials such as blackened silver and brown diamonds. Case in point: The L’Indecis earrings made from circles of gold and diamonds symbolising the intangible realm of the mind.Click here to get in touch

Gaelle Khouri:

Lebanese designer Gaelle Khouri left a career in finance to start her own jewellery label, and we're grateful for it. With an abstract and conceptual aesthetic, her designs are often inspired by quotes of ancient philosophers, making them more like objets d'art. Think architectural pieces in interesting materials such as blackened silver and brown diamonds. Case in point: The L’Indecis earrings made from circles of gold and diamonds symbolising the intangible realm of the mind.

Click here to get in touch

Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewelry: Dubai’s Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum started her namesake label in 2020 at the age of 21, and she already has a cult following. Using conflict-free jewels, being ethical is a top priority for the brand. Her debut collection, My Treasure, featured butterflies as an ode to her late grandmother, like the Enchanting Necklace decorated with fluttering butterflies encrusted with pavé-set diamonds and pink sapphires.Click here to shop

Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewelry: 

Dubai’s Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum started her namesake label in 2020 at the age of 21, and she already has a cult following. Using conflict-free jewels, being ethical is a top priority for the brand. Her debut collection, My Treasure, featured butterflies as an ode to her late grandmother, like the Enchanting Necklace decorated with fluttering butterflies encrusted with pavé-set diamonds and pink sapphires.

Click here to shop

Also Read: The Smart Girl’s Guide to Investing in Jewellery

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