Chaumet creates bespoke ‘Houbara Haven’ tiara, reflecting Qatari heritage and the Gulf’s pearl artistry

The tiara is based on a design by a Qatari artist, after designers and artists from the Middle East were invited to reinterpret the tiara form through a personal and cultural perspective, moving beyond its traditional association with European royalty

Doha: French high jewellery maison Chaumet has created the ‘Houbara Haven’, a tiara meant to be a one-of-a-kind high jewellery piece that reflects the brand’s long-standing expertise in tiara craftsmanship and its engagement with regional design references from Qatar.

Commissioned by Alfardan Jewellery in collaboration with Qatar Museums, the tiara was created as part of an initiative led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, sister of Qatar’s ruling Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The project invited artists and designers from the Middle East to reinterpret the tiara form through personal and cultural perspectives, moving beyond its traditional association with European royalty.

The selected design was created by Qatari artist Aisha Alattiya. Her concept draws from Qatar’s natural environment, pearl trade history and falconry practices. The design aligns with Chaumet’s established use of botanical and animal motifs, which have featured across the maison’s jewellery collections since the late 18th century.

At the centre of the tiara’s structure is the Awsaj plant, a desert species native to Qatar. Its branching form provides the framework of the piece, while its fruit and blossoms informed the use of rounded and floral elements. The openwork detailing references the wings of the Houbara bird, a species associated with regional falconry, and shapes the overall silhouette of the tiara.

Natural pearls sourced from the Arabian Gulf, supplied by Alfardan Jewellery, are a key component of the design. Their inclusion reflects Qatar’s historical pearl trade and Chaumet’s experience working with pearls in high jewellery. Alfardan Jewellery, led by Hussain Alfardan, is widely recognized for its long-standing involvement in the Gulf pearl market.

The tiara was produced at Chaumet’s high jewellery workshop at 12 Place Vendôme in Paris and required more than 850 hours of craftsmanship. The piece adds to the maison’s history of tiara production, which includes over 2,000 creations made for royal and aristocratic clients across different periods and design styles.

From a retail perspective, the project illustrates how high jewellery houses are increasingly engaging with regional partners and local creatives to develop culturally specific pieces for Middle Eastern audiences.

Chaumet, founded in Paris in 1780, has grown from a royal jeweller to a globally recognized luxury maison with a network of 90+ boutiques worldwide. This extensive retail presence spans major capitals and luxury destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

Retail Jeweller ME News