Saudi- Jewelry designer Lama Hourani's journey of self discovery

(MENAFN- Arab News) Combining compassion and passion together is what defines jewelry designer Lama Hourani's work.
She is renowned in the Middle East for not just her creative designs but also for employing women and disabled persons in her workforce.
The world is such a vast expanse filled with myriad things enough to inspire oneself says Hourani.
Arab News spoke to the designer to find out more about her life work and experiences.

From where do you get your inspiration?
I source my inspiration from travel. I visit different countries every year; you would be surprised to know the things that trigger inspiration for me it can be as simple as the texture of an old wall a building or a piece of furniture that triggers a sketch in my head or defines the color palette of that season; that's why I go to the Milan Furniture Fair every year in Milan. Viewing the works of talented emerging and prominent international furniture designers under one roof is so inspiring and enriching as an experience!

How much time does it take for a collection to be conceived and executed?
It's a rich process that takes months. Behind each jewelry piece there is a story that extends from the very beginning of the inspiration process where there is a spot in the world that triggered that particular design; my mind board often consists of various photographs that were captured during my trips around the world. The creative process begins with sketching components of master pieces and limited editions bringing bits and pieces of my most loved moments into my jewelry. These are then given to our very talented artisans who bring the paper designs to life with extra attention to detail. After the components are ready they are taken to the assembly section where they are fused with handpicked semi-precious stones according to the color palette chosen for that collection the assembled pieces enter the last phase of production which is quality control and voila!
The master piece is displayed at my store which is designed to ensure a wonderful shopping experience for clients coming from different parts of the world this definitely distinguishes us from others especially since we live in a mass produced world.

How do you balance your work life and family?
My family brings me peace of mind and spending time with them allows me to recharge since I source my inspiration from my travels.

What are your hobbies?
Travel museum hopping cooking and flee markets and vintage finds. My husband and I have started a unique collection and we are always on the hunt for the next find during all our travels.

Any social cause close to your heart?
Training and working with under-privileged women and physically challenged individuals to provide them with the skills needed for financial stability and an outlet for creativity.

Any advice to women who wish to pursue a career in jewelry designing?
Work hard and stay true to your identity; it's a journey of self-discovery! Don't be scared to experiment that's the only way to distinguish yourself and shine. Get out of your comfort zone and constantly reinvent yourself and your capacities.
Tell us something about your store.
My store is a visual journey it's an experience; it also focuses on upcycling various vintage objects and turning them into display cabinets and props for my jewelry. I collect display props from my trips around the world bringing my favorite moments into the showroom to share with my clients.

Tell us about your recent meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan?
Queen Rania is an inspiration to women all over the world. She's been a big supporter since I started 15 years ago. I'm proud of her support it gives me and my team a push to constantly elevate our creativity and set new standards of luxury for the Middle East.

The priciest piece you created till date and its details?
I've created many exclusive orders in precious materials wedding rings and customized pieces. I've just launched my fine jewelry line and it has a large variety of high-end pieces with significant prices.

Your personal style?
Eclectic chic since I have pieces from all over the world in my wardrobe and I spend a lot of my time traveling from one place to another for work I pack my favorite designer pieces mix them with high street wear and finish the look with playful jewelry.

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