Dubai's Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum has designs on empowering UAE women with her jewellery

It’s not often one lands an invite to step behind palace walls to witness the unveiling of a jewellery collection. Yet, Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum chose to invite global media to the beachside Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Palace in Dubai as she debuted her range of exquisitely handcrafted pieces to the world.

At just 21, the talented young Emirati designer has a clear-cut vision for success, sparkling bright, much like the glittering gems that adorn the pieces of her six-month-old jewellery brand, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery.

The 13 pieces feature ethically sourced diamonds, alongside pink, yellow or blue sapphires, encased in white, yellow or rose gold. Skim through her Instagram account, @sanaalmaktoumofficial, and you will find a selection of notable clients adorned with her exquisite pieces.

Ahead of the unveiling at the palace, Sheikha Sana shared her design ethos with Gulf News, while speaking fondly of her grandmother, the late Sheikha Sanaa Bint Mana Al Maktoum, who served as the inspiration behind the 13 pieces that make up the ‘My Treasure’ collection.

Butterflies are a running theme in the ‘My Treasure’ collection.

I am inspired by nature and adore butterflies because they are not just beautiful but ever transforming. I feel we as women are ever evolving in different ways too. Butterflies represent female empowerment to me.

Sadly, she died when I was young but I remember her as a strong, spirited woman who always walked her own path. She lived a life away from the public eye but had such incredible influence on the people of the UAE. She was very individual and butterflies just remind me of her. I feel her around me all the time, which is why I call her my “guardian butterfly”.

My grandmother loved art deco and vintage style pieces, so while I share her love of jewellery, my style is very different.

Having credibility and extensive knowledge is important to me as a jewellery designer. I studied at the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA is the most prestigious, professional gemology school in the world. I learnt so much there. I also studied at the International Gemological Institute.

My collection uses top quality stones and precious metals so being a qualified gemologist allows me to handpick the very best [gems] of highest clarity.

I don’t really collect jewellery much since I created my own collection and wear my own designs every day. But one treasured piece is a simple gold chain necklace, given to me by my grandmother.

My collection is ethereal, modern and feminine, and is aimed at any women who appreciates beauty, quality, and elegance. My collection can also be easily layered, with items worn together, so a collection can grow over time.

We are excited to announce details of the charity collaborations, in coming months. Education for women and children is dear to my heart, so my priority is education related organisations.

Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery is not just for women in the UAE but all around the world. I do plan follow up collections to the ‘My Treasure’ collection. Details will be released in due time.

While I was learning my craft, it was not uncommon for me to go and visit various gold shops and observe them working on pieces. I wanted to absorb and learn as much as I could and often asked questions about technique and the business - it has helped enhance my practical experience studying jewellery and shaped the way I work.

I hope I can be an inspiration to other Emirati women to find their passion and invest in their education. My business is only new, but I have found the process so rewarding. I am fortunate to have a family that is very supportive of my creativity and share with me ideals of female empowerment.

The Treasure choker was my first piece I designed. Each choker is numbered and I have kept the first one made. It’s very special to me and will never ever be sold.

I love the ‘Soulmate’ ring. It goes with every outfit, is a real statement piece and always gets such a great reaction.

I think that is a very personal choice. But for me the most important jewellery is the jewellery that celebrates an important milestone, or special memory.

I believe in quality first and foremost, over size.

My collection is designed to be layered so I do love to see multiple pieces worn at once, as long as they are pieces that complement each other and tell a story.