The art of jewelry making began in ancient Egypt, where early pieces were crafted from simple materials like plant branches, shells, and beads. Over time, Egyptian artisans honed their skills, advancing their craft during the Middle Kingdom by incorporating minerals. As generations passed, the jewelry industry evolved, producing artifacts that reflected the taste, precision, and skill of Egyptian craftsmanship. These included various forms, such as necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, and earrings, often inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones. Today, the Middle East and North Africa is still home to a wealth of talent that are pushing the boundaries of jewelry design and making waves on a global stage.
From brands that transform Arabic calligraphy into gilded bracelets, rings, and necklaces to handcrafted designs that preserve and elevate traditional techniques, these crop of jewelers have managed to strike the perfect balance between honoring their heritage while remaining contemporary and cool. Below, some of the buzziest jewelry brands from the region to know and shop.
Bil Arabi
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Founded in 2006 by Lebanese designer Nadine Kanso, Bil Arabi artfully merges the timeless beauty of Arabic calligraphy with contemporary design, creating pieces that resonate deeply with those who wear them. Kanso’s designs are rooted in the rich traditions of the Middle East, yet they are imbued with a modern sensibility that makes them relevant in today’s fashion landscape. The delicate intertwining of Arabic letters—crafted from gold, diamonds, and precious stones—serves as a message in every piece: a reverence for culture, a nod to history, and an embrace of individuality.
Azza Fahmy
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Azza Fahmy is a revered name in the world of jewelry, known for transforming Egypt’s rich cultural heritage into stunning, contemporary pieces. Starting in the 1960s, she broke barriers, learning the craft in Cairo’s Khan El Khalili and bringing traditional techniques into modern design. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and often features ancient motifs, poetry, or calligraphy.
Jude Benhalim
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Founded in 2011 by the then 17-year-old Egyptian designer, the eponymous brand has swiftly carved out a niche in North Africa’s jewelry design scene. What sets Jude Benhalim apart isn’t just the allure of her designs, but the ethos behind them. She has built her brand on a foundation of social responsibility, employing a small team of marginalized women in Egypt who play a vital role in bringing her visions to life. These women, often overlooked by society, find empowerment and purpose in crafting the intricate rings, cuffs, necklaces, and chokers that have become Benhalim’s signature–making each piece as meaningful as it is beautiful.
Noor Fares
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The Lebanese designer and Central Saint Martins graduate is celebrated for her vibrant modern talismans, which blend ancient symbolism with contemporary aesthetics. She draws inspiration from her global travels—whether it’s the mystical Hindu mandalas of India or the intricate geometric patterns of Middle Eastern architecture. Her designs capture the unexpected beauty she encounters, transforming it into striking, meaningful adornments that have caught the attention of the industry. Since the launch of her label in 2009, Noor Fares has garnered numerous accolades, including the Positive Luxury Awards in 2017 and 2018, and the COUTURE Design Award in 2019. Her commitment to social and environmental causes is equally impressive; she supports various charitable organizations such as Creatives for Lebanon and serves as a board member of the environmental charity Dirt. Fares’s design process reflects her eco-conscious values, from sourcing ethical gold to meticulously tracing precious gemstones. Each stone is hand-carved, embracing its natural inclusions to highlight the raw, intrinsic beauty of the material.
Donna Hourani
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Based in Dubai, Donna Hourani is a jewelry designer celebrated for her innovative approach to creating statement pieces. Her distinctive upcycling technique marries the old with the new, transforming existing jewelry into fresh, modern designs. This makes Hourani’s work especially appealing to sentimental brides looking to repurpose cherished family heirlooms for their special day.
HAK The Label
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For Hakima Al Said of Hak The Label, her jewelry is a reflection of an upbringing across the Middle East, Asia, South Africa, and Europe. This international influence is woven into every piece, infusing them with a unique blend of cultural symbolism. Al Said’s designs capture a harmonious interplay between femininity and urban sophistication. Imagine delicate ball rings that elegantly twist around the fingers and contemporary hoop earrings that offer a modern edge.
ÈLBÉ
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ÈLBÉ, a French-Tunisian brand, creates jewelry that bridges cultures with its Mediterranean-inspired designs. Their collections feature a blend of simple shapes and graphic, multicultural influences, crafted with luxurious precision. Offering affordable luxury for all, ÈLBÉ’s pieces are handmade in France and Italy using recycled silver and printed fabrics from an Oeko-Tex certified supplier.
