A&E chats with Her Royal Highness Nourah Al Faisal, the founder jewellery brand NUUN.
Nourah Al Faisal.
It was launched in 2014 in Saudi Arabi and offers unique pieces of high jewellery with ethically sourced gemstones. In 2016, the designer joined the ranks of leading brands and opened a boutique on 71 rue du Faubourg Saint Honore in Paris.
What is your first memory of jewellery?
I can’t say I have one particular clear memory but as a child i remember playing with my mother’s rings. I loved taking them off her hands and seeing how the gemstones caught the light. I was fascinated by gemstones from an early age.
How should jewellery make a person feel?
That is such a broad question, it really depends on the context, if it is a gift it makes one feel appreciated. If its wedding ring there is a whole world of meaning involved, and if it is something one has bought for themselves then it should express something of the wearers personality. The overall emotion is love I would say.
Describe your creative space /studio?
I live and work from Riyadh and I am very lucky that my studio is right next to my home. It is a relatively new space that we have moved into recently so there is a little bit of chaos which is always good I think.
My husband is an architectural engineer so he designed and built the space to be full of light. The energy is extremely conducive to creativity. It is absolutely my happy place.
What challenges did you face starting your own jewellery brand?
Being a creative I really didn’t have the tools I needed when I was starting out I was very naive I thought it was as simple as making beautiful jewellery. Of course I have learned that there is so much more involved! Finding the balance between the business aspect and the creative is something I still struggle with but I have to say that more and more I find myself relishing the challenges of creating and evolving a jewellery house .
How would you summarise NUUN jewels in one sentence?
I’m not sure I could, on a very surface level it is simply about making limited and unique pieces of high jewellery, but it also represents a very specific point of view, that of the Saudi designer which is not I feel as available as it should be, but there are so many new talents emerging I hope that finally NUUN jewels becomes a means of showing future Saudi designers that their dreams are attainable
Where do you source your materials?
It is very important for me to know where my materials come from, and that they are sourced ethically, so I only deal with a small group of certified individuals that I have developed a professional relationship with over the years.
How has the creative scene evolved in Saudi Arabia since you launched your own jewellery line?
Saudi Arabia has always had a very strong creative community but it’s true that it has become more mainstream in recent years. Many young Saudis are looking to design as a way to create a career path for themselves, and the Saudi government is doing all it can to support these start-ups. It’s very exciting to be a part of a local design industry being established and I am looking forward to seeing the worlds reaction to our budding talents
All images courtesy of Nuun Jewels.
What other jewellery designers ,or Maison’s, do you admire?
Again broad question , so obviously I would say JAR but I’m sure everyone says that. He absolutely revolutionised the industry style and is still creating some of the most beautiful objects I have ever seen. I also love HEMMERLE, I think they have such a unique and strong style and their pieces are very beautifully made. TAFFIN is another of my favourites especially the last few years he seems to be going from strength to strength. I love NADIA MORGENTHALER. Her jewellery combines old and new in such a feminine way, and of course my dear friend THEODOROS who has made some of the most stunning pieces I have ever seen.
What is your most treasured possession?
I have two, the first is my wedding band which I was gifted this year. My original ring was unfortunately stolen, and the second is a diamond ring that was given to me by my late father from my grandmothers possessions. I was very close to them both so it holds great sentiment for me.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Trust yourself. No one knows what you are trying to achieve like you do. Take advice but in the end it is your dream. Win or lose, play by your own rules.
Please talk us through your inspiration for the latest collections.
My two latest collections are both inspired by childhood; TUTTI by my nieces childhood (the collection is named after her), and EL HADA by my own growing up in the 80’s in Saudi. We used to spend Ramadan between Taif and El Hada. They express two very different emotions, TUTTI is all about hope and the future. It is joyful and reflects a future filled with possibilities, while EL HADA is about looking back nostalgically to what is essentially a world that no longer exists. There is a melancholy that is reflected in the use of pastels that are slightly faded as are most memories.
instagram.com/nuunjewels
Do you have a favourite quote?
What you think you become, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you create.
Who do you turn to for advice?
My family and close friends.
What are you working on next?
I am just finishing up a new collection that we are launching in September, as well as working on some private commissions. We are also preparing for some upcoming exhibitions. There is also a new venture in Saudi we are working on that I am very excited about and can’t wait to share with the world, but not till it is ready.
Complete this sentence : I am happy when…
I am happy when I am most productive.
