Interview: Hania Kuzbari

By Luma Qusus Awad

Hania KuzBari

Jewelry Designs

I met Hania few years ago in Jordan at an event held by the Business and Professional Women Association (#BPWA) where I proudly sat as a board member. I remember engaging in a conversation with this elegant and soft-spoken lady as we talked about her jewelry project. A topic we are both passionate about. In this green edition, Hania’s name came to my mind as she creates her limited luxury collections using precious metals and colored gemstones with sustainable and socioeconomic importance.

When did you discover your love for jewellery? (Who inspired you or influenced your decision?

It took many years of trying out different things. Since I was a little girl, I loved working with my hands. Everything from knitting, cooking and decorating cakes — creating miniature shapes out of dough and adding little details. I’ve always loved making very fine finishings and focusing on the tiny details. I started to work on making jewelry with beads. I found my curiosity growing as I began to seek new answers. I wanted to learn everything from how to solder and set stones to how to use different materials and create finishings.

So, I started looking for a place to learn. I had the opportunity to study at George Brown College to learn the techniques of jewelry making. Afterwards, I went to Italy where I learned how to design and use even more techniques. The most important lesson I learned was not to be afraid of exploring new ideas.

My family’s history of working in metal coating and construction also inspired me heavily as a jewelry designer. I can say I was familiar with these techniques, but I never thought I would become passionate about working in this field!

What was the first piece you worked on and who bought it?

The first piece was a Jasmine ring. Made of 18k gold and diamonds, it was inspired by the flower that I love most, the Jasmine. I couldn’t put this piece on the market as I wasn’t able to price it. It is of great value to me for the memories it holds and the work time involved. It serves as a medal for my first accomplishment. My mother owned the next piece that I created, she was so excited for me when I started to work! She still wears the piece all the time.

How has this career transformed your life?

My career transformed my life in many ways. I’m able to do what I love and I’m passionate about, I’ve become unafraid to dream big and try new things. Some very important lessons my career has taught me are how to interact professionally, manage my emotions and be more calm. I also learned how to accept failure, knowing success is created by failure and is a step toward achieving growth.

My career has taught me that growing is a journey. We don’t know all the answers at once and it is ok not to know everything. We keep learning. When I first began working in jewelry making I found it very difficult to find a balance between my work life and personal life. While dreaming big professionally, it is important not to forget our personal goals and values.

Most importantly, my career has allowed me to believe in myself. I’m more courageous and can think positively, no matter the situation! I now use negativities to elevate and be better.

You are known to work with gemstones, tell us about your favorite gemstones and what is special about them?

I always feel amazed when I work on a piece of jewelry. I am inspired by the fact that we’re working with metals and gems that have been stored inside the earth for millions of years. I love to work with Tourmaline. Actually it is the brand’s signature stone. Tourmaline has very unique chemical and physical characteristics. It is also known for its variety of color shades, encouraging peace and positive energy, which makes it very interesting to work with.

Tell us about your latest collection Made To Be Loved. Our latest collection has been designed with the intention of bringing brightness and love into the lives of those who wear it. Each piece has been crafted with the utmost care, using ethically-sourced gemstones set in solid 18k gold.

The standout stones for this collection are the calming green tourmaline and sapphire, which are believed to encourage the wearer to follow their heart. These radiant gemstones display a spectrum of shades, evoking the beauty of nature and promoting peace and positive energy.

In addition to these stunning stones, we have also incorporated dainty diamond charms in a range of cuts and settings, adding a touch of sophistication to the designs. The Made to Be Loved collection also features pink tourmaline, the color of affection, as well as heart and horseshoe motifs, symbolizing love and good fortune. These wearable-art pieces are meant to be treasured as heirlooms, representing the art of simplicity and elegance.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Finding inspiration is a key part of a designer’s life. When you are born in a very interesting and rich culture, you don’t have to go far to find inspiration, you simply look around you and observe. I was surrounded by plenty of beautiful things growing up. I wanted to reflect these nostalgic motifs in my jewelry, like the Arabesque collection or Aghabani collection.

Inspiration doesn’t have to be an object, it can stem from circumstances, emotions and experiences happening around you. For example, my Smile collection was a way for me to lift the spirits of people back home in Syria during the war. I wanted to create something fun, beautiful, and artistic to remind people to stay positive and hopeful with a smile!

Who are your typical clients?

My typical clients are people who treasure fine things and precious heirlooms. They enjoy starry nights, exotic travels and exploring art. The Hania Kuzbari community appreciates wisdom passed from previous generations, cares about the environment and sees value in conflict free and ethically sourced wearable-art.

My creations are loved and worn by a variety of age groups and cultures, which is amazing to see. I love that all of my customers are able to interpret the meaning of my pieces by themselves.

What is the best part about your job?

Details and craftsmanship. I really love the work behind the creation of each jewelry piece, from the moment I start to sketch to the handcrafting process. I like to be involved throughout the entire process to make sure the finished product is exactly what our customer desires and needs. My ultimate joy is when I see a new piece come to life! We are bringing new life to something precious and each piece tells a unique story you can feel good about.