Saudi women have made remarkable achievements in various fields, thanks to the strong support of the Saudi government. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud emphasized the importance of women in development during the G20 Women’s Engagement Group (W20) in October 2020.
One area where Saudi women excel is jewelry design. They bring a unique perspective to their work, blending modern requirements with Saudi heritage and culture in captivating ways. Many institutions, such as the Fashion Commission, have launched programs to nurture women designers, providing training, mentoring, counseling, and workshops to enhance the Saudi fashion industry.
Colleges and institutes also offer specialized programs in jewelry design to further develop this talent. These designers take pride in preserving Saudi heritage and showcasing their culture through their jewelry.
Hanan Bannoub, an accomplished designer since 1996, drew inspiration from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s statement comparing the strength of Saudis to the Tuwaiq mountain. She created an 18-carat gold bracelet representing the mountain, engraved with “The Strength of the Mountain” in Arabic and adorned with emeralds and diamonds. This piece gained popularity at the Unique Jewelry Exhibition in Riyadh in 2021.
Creating unique jewelry is a multi-step process that begins with an inspiring idea, followed by detailed sketches and discussions with jewelers to determine feasibility. The materials, such as gold and stones, are carefully chosen to match the design.
Various institutions support designers in honing their skills and encouraging diverse designs. For example, the Social Development Bank sponsored a program that allowed local jewelers to collaborate with Italian counterparts to exchange ideas and expertise.
Sarah Abu Dawood, a designer with 16 years of experience, combines Middle Eastern and Western patterns with modern elements, reflecting Saudi culture and heritage. She finds inspiration in her surroundings and aims to create designs that enhance the wearer’s beauty. Her “Harfi” collection celebrates the Arabic language, while “Roshan” reflects her personal memories.
Abu Dawood participated in the “Saudi 100 Brands” program in 2021, which provided opportunities to meet leading trainers, develop businesses, and showcase designs at prestigious international events like Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. These initiatives, combined with government support, offer Saudi designers the chance to shine on the global stage.
With their creativity and cultural inspiration, Saudi designers have the potential to dazzle the world and showcase their talent beyond the borders of their country.
