Growing up between Riyadh, Paris and London, Nourah Al Faisal offers vibrant pieces of jewelry inspired by her multicultural environment. Graphic lines and iconic patterns of Middle East architecture are combined in her contemporary pieces. We sat down with the designer who opened up about her brand, her sources of inspiration and upcoming project.
THEIOFJ: You have launched your label in 2014. How did you turn to the jewelry world?
NA: I studied English literature and interior design, and finally became a jeweler designer! In the end life takes you to the place you are meant to be. I have always been interested in design but honestly, I did not consider it to be a viable career path, if I had it all to do again, I think I would have loved to be an architect, who knows there is time yet.
THEIOFJ: What has been the biggest challenge you ever face as a designer?
NA: I think my greatest challenge is overcoming my own sense of self-doubt, but possibly the feeling that I should always do better is what drives me the most.
THEIOFJ: Your collection is all about graphic lines enhanced by gold and diamonds. How would you define your brand’s style?
NA: I personally find it very difficult to define as I don’t feel like I have a particular style, but I would like to think that my work is clean, modern but with roots in the geometry of my culture.
THEIOFJ: What your jewels say about the women who are wearing them?
NA: The woman who wears my jewelry has a strong sense of self, she appreciates quality and loves design.
THEIOFJ: What are your favorite stones and why?
NA: I go through phases of infatuation with different materials. For a while, it was opals and tourmalines. Spinels are stones I keep going back to for my pieces but on a more personal level, I love included stones. I love the imperfections that make them beautiful.
THEIOFJ: What are your sources of inspiration?
NA: I am always inspired by the world around me, music, art and architecture are my top three, but I am also inspired by nature and my heritage.
THEIOFJ: Your jewelry is handmade in Paris, what this city inspires you?
NA: France is famous the world over for the quality of its craftsmanship, some of the greatest jewelry houses are French. The city is rich in history and is always inspiring for me.
THEIOFJ: What is your best seller and why?
NA: It’s very difficult to say! I think I have had great success with my Thahab collection, and Doroob is very popular as well but a lot of what I do is limited or unique pieces.
THEIOFJ: What are your upcoming projects?
NA: I am currently working on some new iterations on the swing earrings, as well as new Thahab pieces. I am also collaborating with some local artisans in Saudi for a couple of new projects that I am really excited about. I can’t wait to share more with you!
