jewelry

Jeux de Liens earrings in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, (right hand) Liens Évidence rings in white and pink gold set and paved with brilliant-cut diamonds, (left hand middle ring) Jeux de Liens in white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires, (left hand index ring) Liens Evidence in white gold, paved with brilliant-cut diamonds, Chaumet; top, Hervé Léger. Photo: Sandra Chidiac
Known for having a history of elegance and extravagance — from Marie Antoinette to Versailles — France has an abundant past that intimately entwines with the House of Chaumet. Since the Parisian jeweler first graced the epicentre of luxury at Place Vendôme over two centuries ago, it has paved the route for creativity and excellence.
From rings inspired by love and commitment, to tiaras inspired by the French empress Joséphine, Chaumet knows the art of making beautiful keepsakes. And this month, the jewelry house sees its pieces adorning none other than revolutionary Saudi tennis star Yara Alhogbani for Vogue Arabia. Swept up in the motion of Chaumet, the ground-breaking 18-year-old athlete paints a fearless picture in one frame after another.
Joséphine Duo Eternel earrings in white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette necklace in white gold, set with a pear-shaped diamond of 1.50ct and brilliant-cut diamond, Chaumet; top, Wolford. Photo: Sandra Chidiac
Yara is a modern empress when illuminated in the Joséphine Collection. Echoing the house’s first VIP client, Empress Joséphine from Paris’s Napoleonic history, this collection is a vision of ultra-femininity and sophistication. Spotlighting the brand’s iconic logo, Alhogbani finds herself perfectly embellished by a pear-cut diamond headpiece, and it’s safe to say that the Joséphine Aigrette head ornament in white gold is fit for a modern princess. Paved in diamonds and complemented by the Joséphine Aigrette Impériale 2ct diamond ring, this look is one that will be remembered. Speaking of otherworldly pieces, the Joséphine Aigrette watch defies the laws of gravity; without a buckle or clasp in sight, the unique pear-shaped creation decorates Yara’s wrist.
In tennis, love often signifies nil points. But within the world of Chaumet, it conveys the bond of the Liens Collection. The collection symbolizes the unity of two people in love, and Chaumet pulls lovers’ destinies closer using a thread adorned with diamonds. The Liens Évidence rings in white and rose gold stacked together pave Yara Alhogbani’s finger with brilliant-cut diamonds. The Jeux de Liens ring proposes a lively palette of sparkle and light. Laced with radiant diamonds and square-cut sapphires, the ring crafted for daily wear pays homage to  the Maison’s signature blue color. And then there’s the Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant, which stacks around Alhogbani, embellished in diamonds and finished in rose gold.
Bee My Love hoop earrings in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Bee My Love necklace in rose gold, set with 11 Taille Impératrice of 0.23ct each, Bee My Love paved diamond bracelets in yellow and rose gold, Bee My Love paved diamond rings in rose and white gold, Chaumet; jacket, Rejina Pyo;top, Theory; trousers, Hudson Jeans. Photo: Sandra Chidiac
The love of Liens continues with the Bee My Love Collection, inspired by the honeycomb of a beehive. This geometric and timeless collection is radiant and bright. Designed to be both dazzling alone or perfectly combined with other pieces, the best of the lot illuminate Alhogbani in a novel way as the Bee My Love paved yellow and rose gold diamond bracelets and Bee My Love paved diamond rings deck her hands. Yara reinterprets a golden honeycomb in these geometric creations, which alternate perfectly between cut diamonds that resemble crystallized drops of honey, pollinating truly delicious creations.
Whether inspired by the beauty of nature, the bond of love, or the elegance of an empress, Chaumet encaptures the world around us and wraps it up in a sparkling bow. The jewelry house’s radiant creations are interpretations of the past and visions of the future, much like Yara Alhogbani, who remains classic and inspiring, both in her field and outside of it. Here is a young woman who is a ground-breaking force and a revolutionary vision of the future of Saudi Arabia; she is a modern empress with a bold vision and remains a diamond of the region, just like the Chaumet creations she represents.
Joséphine Aigrette head ornament in white gold, set with a pear-cut diamond and paved with brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette Impériale ring in platinum, set with diamonds, with a pear-shaped diamond of 2ct, Chaumet; top, 1017 ALYX 9SM; crossbody top, Zimmermann from The Outnet. Photo: Sandra Chidiac
Joséphine Aigrette diamond rings in white and rose gold, set with Akoya cultured pearls and brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette watch in rose gold set with diamonds, Chaumet; coat, Loro Piana. Photo: Sandra Chidiac
Jeux de Liens earrings in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, first necklace, Liens Evidence Pendant in rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, middle necklace, Jeux de Liens Harmony medium model pendant in rose gold and mother-of-pearl, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, last necklace, Jeux de Liens Harmony large model pendant in rose gold, set with malachite and brilliant-cut diamonds, Chaumet; jacket, Brunello Cucinelli Photo: Sandra Chidiac
Photography: Sandra ChidiacStyle: Sarah RuxtonProducer: Rama NaserMakeup: Kasia DomanskaHair: Betty BeeTalent: Yara Alhogbani 

Photo: Luka Booth
Prada’s latest fine jewelry collection is a special one. Named Eternal Gold, the new line pushed the boundaries of fine jewelry, and can be called the first truly sustainable fine jewelry collection by a global luxury brand using 100% certified recycled gold.
Keeping the urgent needs of the environment in mind, Eternal Gold highlights the brand’s dedication to sustainable practices while also spotlighting impeccable craftsmanship. The idea is to offer the world a series of unique jewelry pieces that last not just one, but several lifetimes. 100 per cent of the gold used in the new fine jewelry line is Certified Recycled Gold which meets the Chain of Custody’ standards set by the Responsible Jewelry Council. Look deeper, and you’ll also find that every step of Prada’s gold (and diamond) production chain can be traced and verified, a commendable feat that no other luxury house across the globe offers.
Photo: Luka Booth

So where does the gold for the much-talked about Eternal Gold collection come from? Prada’s finds originate from eligible recycled material sources, in compliance with due diligence, and include industrial gold and post-consumer precious objects. Prada made a conscious effort to work exclusively with suppliers of precious metal and stones who meet the highest industry standards concerning human rights, labor safety, environmental impact, and business ethics. As the level of gold mining goes down, Prada is enabling a large step towards environmental and human rights. Bonus: While normally, only diamonds above 0.5 carat can be traced to their origins, the fashion house is now ensuring that every single diamond it uses—size no bar–is officially traceable, from mining and cutting to setting and polishing. All of this precious information is available to clientele via the Aura Consortium Blockchain platform, a big win for luxury shoppers who believe in transparency and prioritizing the planet we live in.

Along with its eco-conscious side, Eternal Gold, it comes as no surprise, also stands out for its interesting look. All the pieces of the collection reflect Prada’s stunning Italian craftsmanship. The iconic Prada triangle makes several appearances throughout the collection, along with snake bracelets, heart motifs and ribbon chokers, all of which come in unexpected proportions for added drama. Take a closer look below.

Photo: Luka Booth
Photo: Luka Booth
Photo: Luka Booth
Photo: Luka Booth
Style: Eline HoyoisMakeup: Ruby MazuelHair: Gabriel de FriesProducer: Danica ZivkovicModel: Myriem Boukadida at WonderwallPhotography assistant: Ross MackenzieSecond photography assistant: Marie MeyerStyle assistant: Aimée Lawson

Opal is arguably the most unique and diverse birthstone of all. It takes on many shapes, each with their own firework display of colors, with streaks of red, blue, yellow, green and purple flashing through the stone, making them a constant source of wonder.
Historically opal was found primarily in central Europe and was a rare material prized by the wealthy. The discovery of extensive opal fields in Australia in the late 19th century changed this, making opal more commercially available and increasing the variety of colors and patterns. Australia is still the biggest producer of opal, but over the last couple of decades, Ethiopia has become a significant source and is known for its beautiful crystal opal which is transparent to translucent with little to no body color and shimmering patches of play-of-color.
The Romans treasured opal as the most precious of all gemstones, believing the ability of this one stone to display the colors of all the other precious gems marked it out as unique and special. Its name ‘opalus’ means precious stone and it was said to combine the virtues associated with the other precious stones and be the luckiest of them all. However, in the early 19th century, the notion took hold that the opal brought bad luck, perhaps partly down to a novel by Sir Walter Scott, which depicted them as a symbol of misfortune; the novel’s heroine is seemingly possessed by her opal jewel, which eventually spirits her away.
Princess Alexandra of Denmark continued to fuel the superstition when, on becoming Queen in 1863, she removed ‘the unlucky opals’ from Queen Victoria’s crown and refashioned her mother-in-law’s piece with rubies.
Luckily, when Australian opals appeared at the end of the 19th century, it didn’t take long for the public to fall for their mesmerizing allure.
Ring, Lily Gabriella
Ring, Picciotti
Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels
Ring, Mindi Mond
Earrings, Wendy Yue
Earrings, Anne Sisteron
Earrings, TAYMA
Necklace, Hirsh London
Earrings, Fernando Jorge
Ring, Pragnell
Earrings, Jemma Wynne
Necklace, Akaila Reid
Earrings, Emily P. Wheeler
Earrings, Nak Armstrong
Earrings, Fred Leighton
Ring, Adler
Earrings, David Morris
Ring, Susannah Lovis
Cuff, Theo Fennell
Necklace, Marlo Laz
Ring, Nina Runsdorf
Necklace, Retrouvai
Necklace, Brooke Gregson
Necklace, Sig Ward
Ring, Pippa Small
Ring, Noor Fares
Necklace, Venyx
Ring, Ray Griffiths
Earrings, Annoushka
Earrings, Kimberly McDonald

Shourouk Rhaiem among the pieces from her exhibition at the Galerie Pixi – Marie Victoire Poliakoff in Paris
“It all started with Ricoré coffee,” smiles Shourouk Rhaiem. “Growing up, we would watch their commercials, hypnotized by the scenes of this perfect family. I wanted that family more than anything. My parents were always fighting.” Seven years ago, the Tunisian-French jeweler and artist began applying crystals to a Ricoré coffee container, covering it entirely until it shone as brightly as the image of familial unity she held to the highest esteem — a family that belonged, and had its place in society. She would do the same with dish soap, detergents, and boxes representing the perfume her mother wore — Eau de Rochas and Poison by Dior. Today, all these household items are placed on shelves, their Swarovski crystals catching the light at the Galerie Pixi – Marie Victoire Poliakoff in Paris’s Saint-Germain neighborhood. It’s Rhaiem’s first ever art show, and at the evening’s dinner, loyal friends like Aline Asmar d’Amman, Ara Starck, Gabrielle de Taillac, and Lamia Ziade are chatting animatedly. Most of her pieces have sold.
Bringing style to the aisles with the Aligre crystal bag
It has now been 13 years since Rhaiem’s namesake brand began creating impeccably made costume jewelry and art pieces. “When we started Shourouk, we were showing at a prêt-à-porter fair in Paris. First Lady of France Bernadette Chirac visited my booth. It brought us luck and just afterward, we were selling all over the world. A few years later, American First Lady Michelle Obama asked me to create a special piece for her — a jeweled belt for her voyage to Europe.” There have been numerous highlights in Rhaiem’s sparkling career: collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier, Philippe Starck, the Paris Lido, and Sephora. Her work has appeared on shows like Scream Queens, Sex and the City, and Gossip Girl. Swarovski asked her to create an art installation at its Vienna flagship. “I was stunned by all the supportive people looking at it with a spark in their eyes. Finally, my idea to crystalize the world had found an audience,” she says.
Over the years, Rhaiem has searched for inspiration in farflung locations. India has always held a special place in her heart. “My love affair with India began when I was a young girl, watching a Bollywood movie named Disco Dancer. I later had the chance to visit India and I was enraptured with Rajasthan — the beauty, the colors, the people. My collections have been inspired by the Maharaja lifestyle and I have even collaborated with Indian artisans.” Recalling her early days, working for John Galliano, she adds, “He sent me to India to supervise the embroideries for the dresses for his show; India has always been a part of me.”
Yildiz Pink earrings from Rhaiem’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection
Rhaiem’s newest jewelry collection references cinema via an allegory of Elizabeth Taylor on an impromptu food shopping spree — with all the fruits and vegetables turning to jewelry. Today, she seeks to balance the paths between her jewelry and art. “To me, it’s two sides of the same coin. Of course, the goal of jewelry is to create a successful brand, but in terms of art becoming credible, as you can imagine, it’s very challenging. She offers that a future aspiration is an art exhibition in Dubai. “I have a strong feeling that my sparkling universe could fit there,” she says. Rhaiem’s voice always has a ring of optimism to it — today, even more so. Atop the table lit with candles is a unique art piece — a bag that reads ‘Just Married.’ It belongs to Rhaiem, whose very new husband Carl is sitting across from her speaking with Starck. “I became the woman I wanted to be,” she affirms. Indeed, any young girl walking down the Rue de Seine that day and catching a glimpse of Rhaiem — fresh-faced, flashing emerald crystal earrings, laughing among her guests — would think, “What a perfect life.”
Originally published in the July/August 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia
Read Next: Kim Kardashian Eyes Moroccan Brand Dihyan Jewelry at Paris Couture Fashion Week

Photo: Gorunway.com
There were plenty of accessories to note from the haute couture autumn/winter 2022 shows. Demna went high-tech at Balenciaga and debuted air-filtering face shields, made in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG F1, and speaker bags by Bang & Olufsen.
Mega jewelry was trending this season, too. Daniel Roseberry paired his sculptural couture looks with gargantuan earrings that skimmed models’ navels at Schiaparelli, Fendi debuted asymmetric brooches clipped onto gloves, while Olivier Rousteing made a case for the nose ring during his takeover at Jean Paul Gaultier.
Scroll on for a closer look at the best accessories from Couture Fashion Week.
Balenciaga’s face shields and speaker bags
Photo: Gorunway.com
Schiaparelli’s mega earrings
Photo: Gorunway.com
Viktor & Rolf’s preppy ties
Photo: Gorunway.com
Iris Van Herpen’s futuristic headbands
Photo: Gorunway.com
Alexandre Vauthier’s bejeweled corsages
Photo: Gorunway.com
Fendi’s micro gloves
Photo: Gorunway.com
Jean Paul Gaultier’s punky nose rings
Photo: Gorunway.com
Chanel’s whimsical hair bows
Photo: Gorunway.com
Valentino’s opera gloves
Photo: Gorunway.com
Giambattista Valli’s sci-fi shades
Photo: Gorunway.com
Originally published in Vogue.co.uk
Read next: 15 Brightly-Colored Accessories That Will Give All Your Summer Outfits a Boost

Fine jewelry designer Maria Tash Photo: Courtesy Maria Tash
This summer, fine jewelry designer Maria Tash celebrated a milestone moment: the opening of her newest store, located in Prestige at The Avenues, Kuwait. Spread across a whopping 2,100 square feet, the new space is officially the third Maria Tash destination in the Middle East, with the first two opening in Dubai Mall in 2018, and Mall of Emirates in 2021. It’s clear that the entrepreneur has come a long way, having opened her first store in Manhattan’s East Village in 1993.
For Tash, it was important for the jewelry house’s Kuwait edition to tell her story through its interiors. Best known for pushing the envelope with minimalistic sparklers that tempt every shopper to load up on piercings, the designer’s new space is all about clean lines, sleek shapes, and modern detailing, bringing together a palette of soft grays, custom glass and leather and metallic accents. Perched right next to Fauchon, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels, the boutique also boasts a private ‘women’s only’ lounge, ensuring that every visitor has a comfortable shopping experience.
Maria Tash boutique in Kuwait. Photo: Courtesy Maria Tash
“It has been a long journey,” Tash says triumphantly about the Kuwait store during a chat with Vogue Arabia. “I did two very successful pop-ups in 2016 in Kuwait and I have been waiting to open in the country since. I signed the store lease in the Prestige section of The Avenues a couple of years ago, but we could not get into the country to establish all of the corporate setups and fly specialized employees in due to Covid.” After years of waiting, the new flagship doesn’t just stand out for its envy-worthy interiors and invest-worthy customizable creations, but also for its futuristic touches. “It is the first location to have special tools I invented to visualize and preview jewelry for the patented Tash Helix and Hiddlen Tash Rook piercing locations,” she elaborates, proving that the only way for this fine jewelry designer is up.
A closer look inside the Kuwait store. Photo: Courtesy Maria Tash
She may still be basking in the glow of the success of her Kuwait store, but there isn’t much time to stop and smell the roses in Maria Tash’s world. As she gears up for her next big openings—Maria Tash will soon be making homes in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Paris—the designer of the moment sits down with Vogue Arabia for a quick chat, where she reveals her biggest jewelry insights, from her favorite memories, to the key pieces every woman should own, and much more. Dive in!
What is your first memory with jewelry?
My first memory is rummaging through my mother’s jewelry box and draping almost all of the pieces inside on myself.  She had a great laugh when she saw me with all of her necklaces on my tiny body. Little did she know how it would manifest later in life!
You’ve been in the jewelry industry for close to two decades now. Can you tell us how your love for jewelry came about?
My love of jewelry expressed itself [in my childhood] when I was drawing flowers and imagining them in jewelry. When I was 9, I was hammering metal sheets and wrapping wire into basic shapes. In my early teens, I started doing more daring designs, like attaching necklaces to studs between my ears, creating a suspended ear-to-ear effect, and wrapping wire between two fingers to create a “two finger ring”.
As a teen, I also became more involved with music—specifically goth and punk—and developed a love for multiple ear and nostril piercings. By the mid 1980s, I was gluing a gem in my navel (navel piercing were not available back then), because I thought it was beautiful, and was enamored by books showing images of Indian weddings and their elaborate multiple lobes, cartilage, nostril, and septum jewelry.
In the late 1980s, I moved to London and got my nostril double pierced and added multiple ear piercings. After completing college, I took a leap and opened my first store in the East Village, designing and fabricating jewelry and performing piercing daily on all areas of the body. My love for jewelry has been with me since I was a child, and continues today as I am still enthralled with gorgeous stones, unusual diamond cuts, clever mechanisms, and unique piercing locations.
The lapis luis collection. Photo: Courtesy Maria Tash
From New York and London to Dubai and Kuwait, your customizable fine jewelry seems to have global appeal. Do you notice a difference in the tastes of the Maria Tash consumer in different regions? What makes the Middle Eastern customer unique?
Social media has been a great way to equalize demand for certain ear curations. My Middle East clients love bold diamond pieces for all areas of the body, and are not afraid to get multiple piercings. My lotus marquise clusters are popular in the region, as well as my threaded diamond charms and studs in pear and marquise shapes. They also like the large silhouette-cut diamonds (a shape I have cut for the brand), as well as our floating diamond tassel earrings. I feel like my minimalistic, invisible diamond settings, patented mechanisms, and attention to detail are appreciated in the region. Much of what is popular in the Middle East is what I wear personally, and I’m very happy about that fact.
From your own collection, what are the key pieces that you think every woman should own, and why?
I really love my Floating Diamond Tassel Earrings, and my Floating Diamond Charm Studs. The Tassel Earrings I wear in both my earlobes and helix and are a favorite because they are just so lightweight, full of movement, and very sparkly. The diamond charm studs are a hybrid between the desirable movement features of a charm and the versatility of a stud, because they can be worn almost anywhere on the ear.
Invisible set diamond star stud earring in 18k white gold. Photo: Courtesy Maria Tash
I love movement and I love extremely minimalist stone settings. I gave a lot of thought with these studs as to how the beautiful diamond shapes could be gently suspended in the air, held minimally, emerge from hidden parts of the ear if desired, and sit perfectly flush with the ear. Also, I think a Maria Tash essential are my diamond eternity rings, like the five row pave rings, marquise invisible set rings, and invisible set round diamond rings. I like them in a snug fit with or without a charm hanging off for movement. These rings look great regardless of your piercing angle, sit so close to the skin, and feature my signature invisible setting and minimal pave setting.
Could you please share your top three tips on buying jewelry? 
First, find a piece you really love, and ideally can wear continuously. I strive to make pieces that are very “low profile” so that they sit extremely low to the skin, which makes them very comfortable for long-term wear. I believe everyone should wear pieces that are low profile, especially studs sticking off the ear and finger rings with stones that sit on top of the finger.  A very deliberate low profile setting prevents catching the stone settings on apparel, or the piece turning (on the finger) or pointing down or out (for ear studs) due to the weight and height of the jewelry above then skin.
Pearl and diamond eternity triple linked hoop earring and cuff in 18k rose gold. Photo: Courtesy Maria Tash
Secondly, I think investing in pieces that are at least 14k-18k or platinum is a wise investment because elemental gold, as a commodity, is at an all-time high. Diamonds also tend to hold their value. I have made the decision not to work with any diamond that is less than VS2/G in clarity/color so they continue to hold their value.  I would also choose a piece that is alloyed without nickel. In the US, almost all white gold is mixed with nickel, which makes it white.  The EU has a stricter standard, and it has always been part of the Maria Tash brand to keep nickel out of all of our gold, so no one will have an allergic reaction.
Lastly, really loving a piece of fine jewelry [is important] because of its beauty or its symbolism, and having it add confidence and pride in how you see yourself is its true value.

Emma Stone in Selim Mouzannar jewelry
In the heart of Beirut’s Achrafieh district lies one of the city’s crown jewels: the workshop of jeweler Selim Mouzannar. Walking through these old and winding, leafy streets, birdsong is conspicuously absent as the feathered friends hide from the cold. Beirut is an ongoing source of inspira­tion for Mouzannar and his office is a world away from the neighborhood’s French colonial architecture, and light years away from the chaos that is Beirut. Not a paper is out of place; the workshop is crisp and clean.
Selim Mouzannar
Soft edges caress white surfaces, and everything is contemporary. Ar­tisans buzz around in white coats like bees laden with nectar. In the midst of it all stands Selim Mouzannar. Effortlessly chic wearing round glasses, he surveys his personal crea­ ve kingdom and smiles. Hailing from a dynasty  of jewelers who supplied the Ottoman courts, Mouzannar has jewelry in his blood. Due to poli­tical turmoil and upheavals, his family left Syria in 1860 and settled in Beirut, immersing themselves in Lebanese life. Mouzannar flirted with the idea of becoming a journalist, but family tradition and a sense of responsibility steered him toward goldsmithing, and he embraced his heritage. In 1981, Mouzannar went abroad to study gemology and mineralogy in Paris and Antwerp. An internship in New York followed before he ended up in Saudi Arabia working for Robert Mouawad, the scion of another Beirut jewelry family. Later, he would work hard to educate himself in business and communica­ on, all the while aveling the world, from France to the US, Thailand to Myanmar, soaking up inspira­tion as he went and spending ­ time at the ruby mines of Païlin in Cambodia.
Fish for Love necklace in pink gold andgreen enamel, set with diamonds
“I’ve seen open mining in Thailand, on the ground; I’ve experienced the bohemian side of the business,” reflects Mouzannar. “It’s nothing special being a jeweler in the family. It’s not an honorable thing, it’s actually the easiest path to take.” His father was a modest jeweler working out of Beirut’s old souks, but upon his return to Beirut in 1993, the younger Mouzannar stuck out on his own. “There was a conflict of ideas [with my father]. Nothing major, but I decided to start alone,” he shares. His flagship store opened in 2006, the year Israel and Lebanon went to war. Seeing that his prospects within the coun y were limited, and not just because of the war – “There was no room to grow,” he recalls – he chose to look further afield. “I decided to enroll in major exhibitions abroad and found out how much the international market was interested in my designs, in Paris, London, and the UAE. In particular, an exhibition under the foundation of Sheikha Shamsa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – the impact was amazing,” he says, a little wide-eyed. Today, his work is sold at Harrods, Net-A-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, and Le Bon Marché, and is worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Pfeiffer, Emma Stone, and more.
Istanbul pendant
Mouzannar’s clientele share his values: they first seek something they are comfortable with. “Something that gives them joy through the colors I use and, like everyone, we all want to own a timeless object. I always try to find this sort of client,” notes the jeweler. The key to his success is his artisans, and his ongoing love of learning and self-improvement. “I go back to the artisans. I don’t believe a designer can be a real designer without knowing the minimum of the business. The progress, how the piece starts and finishes… You can’t design something without understanding the process. This is why I am always in the workshop,” he says.
Gala Gonzalez in Selim Mouzannar jewelry
It’s this dedication to craft that sets Mouzannar apart. His pieces are easy to spot: there’s a distinct, unapologetic style. “The world of gems is huge, it’s part of the earth, and part of nature. You must have your own DNA. It’s so easy to get into the trend, but you will be like a sheep, just another manufacturer, like many on the market,” he states. Mouzannar’s business is niche enough to bestow a degree of rarity to each design. ” There are thousands of jewelers out there, but precious few have such a personal s˜ le as his. Mouzannar’s latest collection is called Aïda. Replete with transparent mineral enamel, the pieces are a kaleidoscope of greens, blues, and oranges. It’s a poetic name, bringing to mind the opera and Egypt in its heyday. “By coincidence, my mother’s name is Aïda,” smiles the jeweler. Alongside it is Rose de France, a collection featuring special hexagonal step cuts mounted in a contemporary style with gold, paying tribute to the Republic. “If you see the map of France, it looks like a hexagon,” he explains.
Rachel Brosnahan in Selim Mouzannar jewelry
To date, Mouzannar has launched 15 collections. Each is unique as he doesn’t conform to a set approach, giving free reign to his creativity. “I do what I love, over more than 40 years of working. I was 21 when I started in Saudi. I learned so much, more in a day than you learn here in years, and that experience carries from one place to another,” he offers. In the same way that a gemstone is polished, Paris polished Mouzannar, professionally and personally. “For me, both Paris and Beirut are the most important cities. I believe in universalism, I love many cultures, which I learned to appreciate ¡ om Asia to Europe to the Arab world,” he says. It’s this appreciation for culture, for universal style that informs every Selim Mouzannar piece – unique and universal, it speaks to a creator steeped in culture and always striving for excellence.
Read Next: The 12 Most Interesting Jewelry Trends Spotted on the Runway This Season
Originally published in the May 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia

Photo: Instagram.com
Cannes Film Festival may be a celebration of the best cinema across the globe, but on the red carpet, the annual event is all about sartorial statement makers. Flying in from countries far and wide, celebrities have been seen sauntering down the red carpet year after year in extravagant couture pieces—and sparkling jewels to match.
The 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 17, and has already had stars serving up some stunning looks, each complemented with the perfect baubles. To kick things off, American actor Viola Davis made an appearance wearing a bejeweled Bird of Paradise in her hair, and not too long after, Julianne Moore stepped out in a classic black gown amped up with a diamond and emerald Bulgari neckpiece.

Not-so-basic earpieces are already proving to be a favorite this year, with Toni Garn pairing her backless white gown with delicate winding creations by Messika, and Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz opting for dangling diamond ear cuffs.

Chopard, the Swiss jeweler that has designed a special Palme d’or trophy for the 75th edition of Cannes, also had its big red carpet moment with Eva Longoria donning a classic black diamond-studded choker by the French Riviera, while Piaget stole the spotlight with Katherine Langford, who styled her shimmering gown with an elegant neckpiece worn backward. And then there was Elvira Jain, who made a case for rubies in a Bour by Jahan choker set, which she wore with a semi-sheer black Atelier Zuhra ensemble.
To see all the best jewelry moments from the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, start scrolling.
Elvira Jain in Bour By Jahan
Jasmine Tookes in Messika. Photo: Courtesy Messika
Joséphine Striver in Messika. Photo: Courtesy Messika
Katherine Langford in Piaget. Photo: Instagram.com
Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz in Chanel Joaillerie. Photo: Courtesy Chanel
Deepika Padukone in Sabyasachi Jewelry. Photo: Instagram.com/deepikapadukone

Photo: Courtesy MARLI
Among the list of the most loved musicians in the region is the name of Balqees Fathi, more often lovingly known by her fans simply as Balqees. Over the years, the Emirati-Yemeni singer, who has also counted herself as a UN Champion for Women’s Rights in the Middle East, hasn’t just taken over with her powerful voice and strong opinions, but also her unique style. A reflection of her fiery personality, Fathi’s wardrobe comes with more than its fair share of statement-makers, and it seems like her taste in jewelry falls perfectly in line with the aesthetic. This festive season, the musician is getting into the spirit of Ramadan with a special collaboration, lending her face to the Ramadan campaign of jewelry house MARLI.
Though its home may be the dynamic city of New York, MARLI takes inspiration from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and manages to strike a cord with women across the globe with its minimal shapes—and oh, so wearable—designs. For Ramadan 2022, founder and creative director Maral Artinian crafted what is now called the Tip Top collection, a sparkling series of earrings, bracelets, neckpieces and rings that blur the lines between traditional and contemporary jewelry. And to share the collection with the world, Balqees Fathi was a natural choice. “Balqees embodies the MARLI persona,” Artinian reveals to Vogue Arabia. “She is independent, accomplished, and carefree. Her personality and perseverance inspired this collaboration.”
Photo: Courtesy MARLI
Dressed in free-flowing modest ensembles, Balqees Fathi plays the perfect muse for MARLI’s Tip-Top collection, which feature diamonds and precious stones in blue for an unexpected twist. Describing her relationship with the brand as “magnetic”, the star shared, “I was always fascinated with MARLI creations and I have always been a MARLI client since they launched in the region. The TVC concept has an extraordinary story line to celebrate Ramadan… It was a privilege to work with the team and Angy Akly, the creative producer and director.” In an exclusive chat with Vogue Arabia, the musicians opens up about her favorite Ramadan rituals, her festive style, and of course, all things jewelry.
Congratulations on starring in MARLI’s Ramadan campaign! Can you tell us about your most precious pieces of jewelry? 
I have two pieces of jewelry that are very dear to me: a gold bracelet from my dad which I wore as a kid and see in all my childhood pictures, and the second piece was a necklace gifted by my grandmother, may she rest in peace, after I graduated from school, and I still have both these pieces to this day.
From sharp pantsuits to shimmering jumpsuits, your fans have seen you acing it all. But what is Balqees’s true personal style? What do you love to wear when you’re not out and about?
I’m a person who loves to change and you can see it even in my art. Being able to perform in different facets helped me to get closer to my audience. My personal style is always minimalistic, at a times even carefree, but always with a statement.
Photo: Courtesy MARLI
Is your style any different during the Holy Month of Ramadan? What is your ideal iftar look?
Elegant, minimalistic, and I love wearing a kaftan or an abaya.
How important is jewelry in defining your personal style?
It’s a part of my lifestyle, wherever I go, wherever or whenever I have an appearance; it wouldn’t be complete without the perfect piece of jewelry
Ramadan is a special time for all. What’s your favorite Ramadan tradition?
Being with my family, including all the beautiful the gatherings, and reunions — the whole Ramadan vibe.
The festive season helps us all come together with the people that matter most to us. How do you like to spend quality time with your family?
Family always comes first; I cherish every moment that I spend with my son.
Photo: Courtesy MARLI
It’s safe to say that music is, of course, a major part of your life. While your voice has inspired many, who are the musicians that most inspire you?
Definitely Fayrouz is my inspiration, and of course those who created change in the East and the West such as Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and Celine Dion.
And finally, Ramadan is a time of self-reflection and appreciating everything in our lives. If you could gift someone a piece of jewelry from MARLI, what would it be? Who would you gift it to?
I would give the timeless MARLI Cleo bracelet to my elementary school teacher. I always remember her; she was very patient and kind to me.

Photo: Shutterstock
Named after the seawater that their color evokes, this semi-precious stone of aquamarine ranges in hue from an almost translucent blue to a brilliant turquoise. Long thought to be talismans of calm and protection, sailors of old believed the stone would protect them at sea, and impart calm on those who carried it. Aquamarines are also believed by some to bring a happy marriage, which is perhaps why the Queen Mother gifted her granddaughter, Princess Anne her Cartier Aquamarine Pine Flower Tiara as a wedding gift.
In 1953, in honor of the Queen’s coronation, the President and people of Brazil gifted the new British sovereign an aquamarine necklace and earrings, adding a bracelet and large brooch to match in 1958. Interestingly, though most of the Queen’s tiaras were legacies from queens and princesses past, the Queen commissioned an aquamarine and diamond tiara from Garrard to match the extraordinary aquamarines gifted from the Brazilian people. The set is known as the Brazilian Aquamarine Parure.
Below, a list of 31 beautiful pieces of aquamarine jewelry—the official birthstone of March—to wear each day of the month.
Earrings, Karma El Khalil
Necklace, Boodles
Earrings, Tiffany & Co.
Bracelet, Buccellati
Necklace, Bucherer Fine Jewellery
Necklace, Cartier
Earrings, Diane Kordas
Earrings, Dolce & Gabbana
Earrings, Emily P. Wheeler
Bracelet, Faraone Mennella
Ring, Garrard
Earring, Tasaki Atelier
Earrings, Minka Jewels
Earrings, Pomellato
Tiara/necklace, Susannah Lovis
Earrings, Laings
Necklace, T Balance Crystals
Bracelet, Kirstie Le Marque
Ring, Larkspur & Hawk
Ring, The Alkemistry
Bracelet, Sauer
Earrings, Louis Vuitton
Pendant, Melis Goral
Ring, Hirsh London
Earrings, Theo Fennell
Choker, Pragnell
Bracelet, Tessa Packard
Ring, Jane Bartel
Ring, Vanleles
Ring, Ruth Tomlinson at Objet d’Emotion
Necklace, Alice Van Cal
Originally published in Tatler.com