By Lynda Schmidt
Nuun is the pronunciation of the letter N in Arabic, which is also the first letter of Nourah Al Faisal’s name. Her closest friends call her Nu. She brings together her heritage, experience and creativity in making the unique designs of Nuun Jewels, the jewelry store that bears witness to a love affair with jewelry made from the highest quality gems and precious metals. Let’s get to know this remarkable ladywho brings so much grace and elegance to these artistic creations.
With a BA in English Literature from King Saud University, what drove you to pursue a career in jewelry design?
I have always loved creativity in all its forms, and jewellery design allows me to experiment with forms and proportions on a smaller scale. The materials I use are a plus.
What made you choose an apprenticeship at a jewelry shop in Paris?
I actually did not choose the apprenticeship. I was lucky enough to be offered it on the basis of my sketchbook. It was such an amazing opportunity to be in one of the most prestigious French workshops in France.
Growing up between Riyadh, Paris and London, does one city’s influence on your designs stand out more than another, or are they equally represented in your collections?
I feel like my work is a combination of all my travels. I hope my designs will continue to evolve organically with time and experience.
Do you feel aspects of your heritage, such as the art of calligraphy, a revered and quintessential Islamic art form, are incorporated into or influencing your jewelry designs?
I am particularly influenced by the Islamic geometric patterns; they are a constant source of inspiration, as well as the SADU patterns that are more local to Saudi Arabia.
On your website, nuunjewels.com, you state, “each piece is inspired by life and has a story.” Can you share a favourite story behind a specific piece from one of your collections?
The Doroob collection is a good example of that. The pattern is inspired by the geological patterns found just outside Riyadh, as seen from an airplane. This was what I see every time I come home from my travels and always infuse me with joy.
It must have felt so exciting to launch a fashion platform in Riyadh in 2017. Do you feel that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, with its emphasis on expanding arts and culture in the kingdom, will create greater opportunities for Nuun?
I believe the opportunities that Vision 2030 has already started to create are endless and it is so exciting to be able to take part in this amazing experience. The platform Sougha hopes to partner with the creative community and to help by supporting the growth of the design sector. As for Nuun, although it is a French brand, I am Saudi and so I would like to see my brand continue to be a bridge between both cultures.
With launches in Paris, Dubai, Riyadh and St. Petersburg, it seems clear that Nuun has an international presence. Is there a particular clientele you aspire to reach with your designs?
I have been very blessed to find that my designs seem to have an international appeal and I have been able to travel all over the world for my work. I hope to be able to keep doing that in the future.
Do you consider Nuun to be an integral part of the growing arts movement in Saudi Arabia that is promoting progressive social reform?
Nuun is a French jewellery brand. I prefer to think of it as a cultural ambassador of the modern Saudi Arabian identity in Europe and hopefully in other parts of the world. It is my hope that Sougha, a new platform that aims to bring creatives together, will become a part of the establishment of a Saudi design industry.
Nuun Jewels has also partnered with Art of Heritage, a Riyadh-based center with one of the largest textile collections, to preserve local arts and crafts.
Nuun was featured as part of Saudi Design Week held in the King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue last October 3–7, 2018.
Do you feel you are enjoying increased interest and an expanding market as a result? What goals are on your horizon?
Of course! This was my second time exhibiting in Saudi Design Week. We also took part last year at the Apex and I was very pleased with the resulting exposure both times. My goals for Nuun are to be able to continue designing and creating my work around the world. As for SOUGHA, my aspirations are as unlimited as they are for my country.
Nuun designs are available as part of Nourah’s extensive collections or as commissioned originals.
Nuun Jewels
71 Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore` 75008 Paris, France
Email: parisboutique@nuunjewels.com
Website: nuunjewels.com
