If you haven’t heard of D Jewellery before, you soon will. Beautiful, bespoke pieces of wearable art, the brainchild of Palestinian-born Dalia Hamdallah.
The stunning handmade pieces range from ear cuffs to rings and even headpieces. With every design completely unique, the pieces are not only special but will last a lifetime, being eternally classic.
We catch up with Dalia to discuss her evolving brand, where she sources her inspiration from and what one item she just can’t live without.
Q: What made you want to become a jewellery designer?
I was always passionate about fashion design and illustration ever since I was young. I took fashion courses during school and graduated university with a bachelor in Fine Arts. Then one day, a friend of mine introduced me to a wire jewellery making course, and I was hooked ever since! I was so fascinated by the endless possible designs I could come up with using a plain wire, and realized that this was my calling.
Q: Have you ever thought about branching out into fashion design?
I wanted to make small plain neutral tops and dresses that go nicely with my jewellery. Plain monochrome with cutouts or asymmetry, and I’m still developing the idea and in the sketching process.
Q: How important is it that your designs are handmade?
With all the mass production and cheap made in China products saturating the fashion industry now, we are craving interesting handmade pieces with quality material and attention to detail. Every woman wants to be unique and have a piece that’s a find and not worn by everybody else.
Q: What is your personal favourite piece of jewellery?
My absolute favourite piece of jewellery was one that I made for an Indian woman as a wedding guest. I transformed a choker into a colourful lavish headpiece bejeweled with sapphire, emeralds, and violet Swarovski crystals.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?
I find inspiration from travelling and feasting my eyes on the incredible beauty of nature and all the different faces and personalities I meet in different parts of the world. I don’t feel that inspiration is like a spark that ignites right when you look at something, but rather a slow result of a compilation of sights and experiences that flow into your visual memory and unconsciously get translated into your work. I like Ottoman and Pharoanic style jewellery, and I’m obsessed with vintage jewellery – I can’t buy enough of it, and you’ll feel a vintage vibe in my pieces as well.
Q: Who would you most like to see wear one of your designs and why?
I would like to see Queen Rania wear my work. She is the epitome of elegance, power and femininity all at the same time.
Q: Where is your favourite place to travel?
I studied drawing in Rome for 3 months and they were the best days of my life. Also, India because I am obsessed with their culture, food, architecture, fashion and of course, jewellery.
Q: Where did the name D Jewellery derive from?
I come from a family of 4 sisters: Dima, Dalia, Dana, Diala, all of whom have been great supporters of my designs from day one. We all share a very strong bond, as well as the first letter of our names, hence it felt natural to come up with the name D Jewellery.
Q: What is next for the D Jewellery brand?
I would love to one day open my own mini gallery or boutique to showcase my designs, and I would like to expand by hiring people to help me produce the pieces. However, I aim to turn D Jewellery into a socially responsible business by hiring struggling women who are trying to get back on their feet, and empowering them by teaching them new skills and hopefully help them discover a passion for creation.
Q: Do you have a person mantra and if so what is it?
I live by Pablo Picasso’s quote “Let inspiration find you working”
I’m sure you will agree that we’re set to hear more from Dalia and her ethically impressive range of jewellery, and so we should/
D Jewellery is based in Dubai and pieces are available at Jewels in Mercato Mall with prices ranging from 300 Dhs to 1,200 Dhs.
D Jewellery designs are also available in Cairo, Amman, Jeddah and Dubai:
Jewels, Mercato Mall (Dubai)
Sinwan Concept Store (Jeddah)
For the Love of Vintage (Amman)
Pop-Up Shop Downtown Kattameya (Cairo)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DBYDALIA
Instagram: @dbydalia
The Insider UAE 