Rabaa Saleh S. Al-Anqari founded the Saudi Arabian jewellery brand YOURA after her passion for jewellery design developed while at University.
Studying at the Gemological Institute of America in London and the International Gemological Institute in Dubai, she was able to further develop her deep-rooted passion for diamonds and jewellery and learn more about starting her own brand. After graduating, Al-Anqari returned to her mother country of Saudi Arabia and decided to set up her own brand.
Taking inspiration from her heritage, Al-Anqari’s designs are influenced by her childhood experiences as well as her rich culture. The brand’s signature motif of an eagle symbolises vision, power and the ability to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. It was this that fuels her brand today, with a mission to produce the best quality pieces and always surprise and inspire its clients. At the heart of YOURA’s philosophy is the belief that jewellery is not merely an adornment but a form of art that invokes magic, originating from a place beyond time and tangible space constraints. The brand’s core values of creativity, quality and meaning infuse each piece with not only exceptional design and craftsmanship but also a deeper sense of personal connection and inspiration.
Although YOURA was founded in Riyadh, Al-Anqari’s vision is that the brand will eventually become a global brand, helping to put Saudi Arabia on the map when it comes to jewellery design. Here, we learn more about the brand and its founder’s great ambitions for the future.
Tell us about your brand, YOURA, and how it came to life.
For me, YOURA is not just a brand but a complete story with all its chapters. My love for jewellery and diamonds has been with me since I was a child, and it is an eternal love. When I chose the business world, jewellery was my first choice, as it combines spiritual and moral aspects, and this is my focus and message.
What can you tell us about your latest collections?
In our upcoming collection, we will focus on the eagle, not only because it’s our logo but also because of its concepts of a freedom bird, a sharp eye, and a focused attitude.
Where did your passion for jewellery come from?
I don’t have a specific moment or time when my passion for jewellery began, but I know I have loved it since I was a child. It is a calling from the inner spirit that I can’t avoid.
What do you believe is unique about your brand?
Everything starts with the logo, then our story, message, and details, and ends with the design and unique pieces.
Take us through your design process and the choice of materials.
Each design is created through our design language and brand DNA, which are our frame rolls. We choose the idea based on the deep meaning we want to present. Then, we select the material that suits the design and add additional elements to the piece. All the materials that we choose are high-quality; this is our standard.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by all the beautiful things around me, the spiritual stories, the small things hidden from others or that appear and vary obvious, and the feelings we share or hide.
Do you have a favourite stone and why?
Yes, I have two favourite stones: the first is the pink diamond because it suits my personality and charisma, and the second is the ruby because my family used to call me Ruby. After all, they thought we had the same essence and DNA.
Why do you think jewellery is important in women’s lives today?
Jewellery is not a compliment, as some people think; it is essential to a woman’s personality and beauty. To this day, I have never seen or met a woman who does not wear jewellery. Even women in the diplomatic and government corporations wear jewellery that supports their personality and enhances their position or profession. Jewellery is a strong reinforcement for a woman when she wants to show her personality clearly and boldly.
What are your thoughts on the jewellery industry in Saudi Arabia today and where it’s heading?
In Saudi Arabia, we are now experiencing great wealth and expansion in the field of jewellery, and fortunately, we have great support from the government. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now the focus of the world’s attention and an approved destination as we have become a global city.
What’s your biggest challenge as a jewellery designer starting a brand today?
As a brand and a designer, we must put extra effort into showing our deep qualifications and strong message to the jewellery world, which is comprised of qualified brands.
What would you still like to achieve at the brand that you haven’t done yet?
As we expand, we have more goals and more achievements. This is our strategy.
What else is in the pipeline for this year?
The new collection, masterpieces, and something to keep a surprise.
In this issue, we are celebrating Saudi National Day – what does this day mean to you?
This day is our “green day”, which means purity, extension, clarity, breathing, belonging, life, and beauty. I carry all these traits and more for my country, love, and homeland.
What message would you send to our readers to help them understand more about the brand?
I encourage them to stay in touch with us and follow our page on Instagram; don’t hesitate to send us a message or ask questions you want about our jewellery or jewellery in general. Many beautiful things are around the corner, and many pieces will come soon.
