With a legacy dating back to 1891, L’atelier Nawbar is one of the region’s most storied fine jewellery houses, shaped by generations of craftsmanship and creative evolution. Born in Lebanon as a small jewellery store in Beirut’s historic gold souk, the brand is today run by fourth-generation family members, sisters Dima Nawbar and Tania Nawbar, who became the first women to take the helm of the family business in 2011.
Blending heritage with a distinctly modern sensibility, the duo have redefined the house’s identity, honouring what their great-great-grandfather built through pieces that feel personal, expressive and deeply rooted in storytelling. Designed as “modern heirlooms”, their creations move beyond tradition, offering jewellery that is meant to be worn, layered and lived in, carrying meaning across generations.
As the brand continues to expand its international presence, we speak to Dima and Tania about navigating legacy, building a contemporary jewellery language and shaping the future of L’Atelier Nawbar.
L’Atelier Nawbar’s story dates back to 1891, with four generations of family heritage. What did it mean for you to become the first women to step into the Nawbar dynasty?
Stepping into the Nawbar dynasty as the first woman was both a responsibility and a natural evolution. We grew up around the atelier, so it never felt unfamiliar, but there were expectations to carry forward. From an early age, we developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, texture, and the emotion a piece can carry. Because of that, returning to the brand didn’t feel like stepping into something new, but rather continuing something that was already part of us. What mattered most was finding a way to honour that legacy while bringing our own voice into it, making it feel more personal, expressive, and relevant to today.
You both built your careers abroad before returning to Lebanon in 2011. What drew you back to the atelier, and how did that transition shape the direction of the brand?
Working together wasn’t something we had planned. When the opportunity came to join the family business, something clicked for both of us at the same time. It felt natural and aligned with how we think, create, and understand the world around us.
We had both started our careers at an advertising agency in Abu Dhabi, and about a year and a half in, our father asked if we would consider joining the atelier. We moved back to Lebanon, and the rest followed quite organically. Because it was never forced, it gave us the freedom to approach the brand in our own way.
How do you approach evolving a legacy brand today while staying true to its roots?
For us, evolving the brand feels very instinctive. We grew up around the atelier, watching pieces come to life from sketch to final polish, so that connection shaped how we see jewellery from an early age. Because of that, evolving the brand isn’t about changing it, but about building on what already exists. Stacking and styling have always been part of our DNA, so we continue to introduce pieces that feel playful, colourful, and easy to layer. It’s about creating something new while allowing it to sit naturally alongside what’s already there, so the brand keeps evolving without losing its identity.
How do you work together as sisters, and how does this dynamic influence your creative process and decision-making?
Our sisterhood shapes everything we do. We grew up with the mindset that what’s mine is hers and what’s hers is mine, so collaboration comes very naturally to us. There’s a strong sense of trust and openness in how we work, but also an understanding of each other’s strengths. We give each other space while staying completely aligned, and that balance creates a process that feels intuitive rather than forced. It also builds a culture around us that’s warm, supportive, and very human.
The Middle East’s jewellery landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. How have you seen the regional industry change, and what excites you most about its future?
The region has become much more expressive. There’s been a shift from traditional, occasion-based jewellery to pieces worn every day that reflect personal identity. What’s exciting is seeing more individuality and creativity coming through, especially from younger generations that aren’t afraid to mix, layer, and experiment.
L’Atelier Nawbar has become known for creating jewellery that carries meaning and storytelling. Why is emotional connection so important in your design approach?
Jewellery is something people live with, so it has to mean something. For us, it’s never just decorative. Whether through symbols, zodiac elements, or pieces that mark personal moments, each design is meant to carry a story that becomes unique to the person wearing it. Pieces are layered and styled differently by each person, so the same pieces can look completely different on everyone, each telling its own story. They become part of everyday life, and that’s where the emotional connection truly comes in.
As founders, how do you balance creativity with running a growing business?
It’s always a balance. Creativity is at the core of everything we do, but it needs structure to grow. We’re very hands-on, constantly moving among design, production, and strategy, and we naturally support each other throughout the process. As sisters, we’ve always had that instinct to step in for one another. When one of us feels overwhelmed, the other takes over, whether that’s creatively or on the business side. That balance allows us to keep things moving while staying aligned. In that sense, the business side doesn’t take away from the creativity; it supports it and allows it to evolve.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while building L’Atelier Nawbar, particularly as women leading a heritage jewellery house?
One of the biggest challenges was finding the confidence to step into something so established and make it our own. It wasn’t just about continuing the legacy, but about knowing when to respect it and when to challenge it.
As women, we also felt the need to prove ourselves beyond the creative side, showing that we could lead, make decisions, and grow the business as a whole. Over time, that pressure pushed us to become more certain in our vision and more intentional in how we shape the brand today.
The region has been through a difficult time this year and in previous years – how do you stay positive when faced with challenging periods both professionally and personally?
Living and working in Lebanon teaches you resilience. There’s always a level of uncertainty, but it also gives you perspective on what really matters.
We rely on each other a lot; we’ve always been as much best friends as sisters. When one of us feels overwhelmed, the other steps in, whether that’s practically or emotionally. That balance helps us stay grounded and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to women looking to build their own brands, particularly within the creative or luxury industries?
Trust your instinct and don’t wait for everything to be perfect before starting. Say yes, even when you don’t have it all figured out yet, and trust that you’ll learn along the way. Building something takes time, but clarity comes through doing.
Looking ahead, what would you still like to achieve with L’Atelier Nawbar, and how do you see the brand evolving in the future?
We want to continue growing internationally while staying true to who we are. That means reaching new audiences, expanding our presence, and continuing to create pieces that feel personal and meaningful. The goal is to evolve naturally, without ever losing the essence of the brand.
What is the professional motto that you live by?
Trust your instinct and stay true to your vision.
