‘Reviving Heritage in a Modern Way’ is the design pillar of Amarin Jewels: Haneen AlQunaibit

Amarin Jewels by Haneen is a fine jewellery collection created to connect each wearer with a deep nostalgia for time, place and origin. Each piece is the culmination of a legacy of jewellery artistry, expressed through meaningful cultural motifs and a transparent, informative creative process

Founded by gemologist and jewellery designer Haneen AlQunaibit — whose first name means ‘longing for the beloved’- Amarin Jewels by Haneen is the embodiment of a passionate nostalgia for treasured heirlooms, upgraded for the modern wearer. Haneen started her career early after earning a bachelor’s degree from AlYamamah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She joined the banking sector for a little over five years. She left her position at the end of 2016 to pursue a career in the jewellery industry, and join the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to learn about jewellery. She then moved to New York City and joined GIA New York City Campus to finish her design courses and programmes.

Haneen’s technical expertise runs through all her collections: every architecturally inspired, ethically made piece is accompanied by detailed information about its concept, symbolism and stones.

Here are excerpts from a conversation The Retail Jeweller had with Haneen AlQunaibit about her aspirations, collections and designs:

As a female designer in Saudi Arabia, what are your greatest challenges?

There are always challenges for a female designer anywhere in the world, and not just in Saudi Arabia, as the jewellery industry globally is dominated by men. Regardless, our main challenges are always about being innovative and having original designs.

Tell me about the pieces you’re most proud of and why.

The Star of Najd is one of many pieces I am very proud of making. It is the continuation of the Najd collection, except it is one-of-one. It is entirely handmade in Riyadh, representing Arabia’s past, present and future.

What is your favourite material to work with?

At Amarin Jewels, we only work with 18 karat gold, platinum and titanium.

How do you conceptualize your designs? What is your source of inspiration?

Our process is driven by a deep respect for treasured heirlooms and the generations of women who have worn them, upgraded for the modern wearer. Every adornment evokes the past while cultivating a more inspired present and future. Legacy gemstones and the romance of heritage are the genesis for each collection, fusing deep respect for traditional culture with an uncompromising, forward-facing vision.

When designing, we do a lot of research to translate our ideas into reality. One of our main design pillars is ‘Reviving Heritage in a Modern Way’. Therefore, our pieces will have a story inspired by heritage, regardless of its location, country or origin. Our legacy gemstones take inspiration from heritage architecture, vintage pieces and the generations of women who have collected and loved them, and are consciously crafted with a contemporary outlook. We travel the globe to source stones of exceptional beauty and rarity, then place them in modern settings meticulously crafted from recycled precious metals: 18 karat gold and platinum.

What advice would you give to young designers?

I would tell them to try and gain enough knowledge and a set of skills that can support them. They must always update themselves with industry trends, have mentors, and try to get involved in important jewellery shows globally.

How has your work helped you evolve as a designer?

Every collection makes the upcoming collection a new challenge and a new adventure. Every new creation and story behind it makes me compete with myself and do better and greater for my clients.

How have customer preferences evolved in Saudi Arabia?

Our clients’ expectations rise with every new collection we create; therefore, we try our best to provide them quality and custom one-of-a-kind pieces.

What’s next for your brand?
Our main focus is GCC at the moment. We will work on several exhibitions and pop-ups and introduce new collections.

By Bushra Satkhed

Retail Jeweller World Exclusive