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Nicky walked back towards the group, her eyes filled with passion. “Inspired by Elsa's courage and creativity, I embarked on my own journey as a jewelry designer. I wanted to create pieces that evoked emotions, told stories, and empowered those who wore my designs. Jewellery can make us feel special, remind us of our inherent beauty and strength, and serve as a tangible reminder of life's precious moments.”
Nicky paused, taking a moment to reflect. “I am standing before you today, sharing my story and passion for jewelry design. Elsa Peretti's influence will forever be etched in my heart, and I hope my creations can inspire others just as she inspired me.”
Anwar and Hamad joined the audience in their applause, moved by Nicky’s heartfelt story.
“Thank you all for joining me on this journey. I encourage you to find your own inspiration and muse and let your creativity shine. And remember, jewelry isn't just about the materials; it's about the stories we tell and the emotions we evoke.”
With a final smile, Nicky bid farewell to her audience.
“I have approached her to design a capsule for my hotel and homewares line,” Hamad said. “Our collaboration will be her first foray into homewares.”
“I thought she was a jewelry designer.” Anwar said as Nicky closed the door behind the departing students and placed a sign that read ‘closed.’
“She is. But she is much more than that.”
Anwar studied his brother’s face. “You’re quite obsessed with this Nicky Pelli, aren’t you? Is that why you’ve brought me here?”
His brother grinned. “I have arranged a private viewing for you. I know you’ll love her work. And I think Lucy will, too.”
“Lucy?”
“You are going to do the romantic thing and get her an engagement ring, right?”
“We were married without the need to be engaged.”
“Telling a woman she is marrying you and presenting her with a contract to sign and actually proposing are two quite different things,” he said, leading Anwar deeper into Nicky’s studio. “Don’t you want the real thing?”
“I have a sculptural approach for a designer,” Nicky said, her face flushing as her sapphire-blue eyes locked with Hamad’s. “Any piece I design has to be as beautiful when it’s on the body as it does when it’s on a surface.”
Anwar noticed how his brother’s gaze trailed over Nicky’s body as though intimately familiar with her sensual curves.
She held Hamad’s gaze and smiled, then gestured to her jewelry collection.
“They looked like miniature, gallery-worthy sculptures,” Anwar said, his gaze drifting appreciatively over the rivulets etched in a broad band of gold. “Beautiful pieces of art.”
“I don’t view myself as an artist,” Nicky said. “There’s no message behind my work—it’s more an expression of how I feel and want others to feel.”
“You would get on very well with my wife Lucy. She’s into feelings, too. She’s an artist.”
“I think of myself as a designer. I’m in a very mercantile world, which is quite different from being an artist,” Nicky said. “But I appreciate the compliment. You’re very kind. The ring you have been admiring is inspired by art. Architecture actually. And the desert. Along with the Italian designer Elsa Peretti, I’m inspired by many influences, including sculpture and photography, modernist furniture, and history. I like to think of my creations as modern artifacts for the curious mind.”
“You would definitely get on with my wife,” Anwar laughed.
“This ring is inspired by how such artists have interacted with these natural formations and organic structures, reinterpreting them to express rhythm and movement in their work.”
She passed the ring to Anwar and pointed to the repeating elements. “Rhythm denotes the repetition of visual elements such as line, shape, and color within space. A fundamental design principle, rhythm is essential for creating energy, movement, and emotion. This ring reinterprets nature’s rhythms in unexpected ways. Asymmetric curves simulate the unfurling silhouettes of seashells. Ridges reference the transience of sand dunes, sculpted and dissolved by the wind. And tactile, sculptural proportions are softened by elegant gold, creating an object of sensual modernity. It’s understated, elevated, and chic.”
Hamad was right. Nicky and Lucy would get on fabulously. They were both passionate about creating things of meaning and beauty. And both were fiercely protective of their creative freedom.
Your brother has been a great help to me,” Nicky said. “I came for a short visit to Avana and stayed. I was quickly captivated by local artisans’ artistry, skill, and dedication. It’s largely thanks to Hamad that my design has evolved. I found a new respect for Arabic tradition and artisanship. I found my creative voice.”
“Nicky has brought a personal and inimitable approach to jewelry design to our region,” Hamad said. “Free from the constraints of formal training, she has honed a distinctive yet refined style. She has gained creative recognition and professional esteem within the industry. She is as uncompromising about resolutely sustainable design, ethics, and kindness as she is dedicated to honoring the individuality of the discerning woman. Most importantly, she is committed to telling their stories – their passions, quirks, and joys – through her jewelry.”
“Now, with Hamad’s backing, I can spread my wings,” she said, gesturing to three limited-edition candelabras in bronze, silver, and gold, which decorated the studio. “I was quite free to design for me before, but Hamad asked for different proportions—giant proportions. From small to spectacular,” she said with a laugh. “I set myself a personal design challenge to ensure that each candelabra can be positioned in two different ways: “You flip one of them 90 degrees and the other two 180 degrees to give them a different look. I like the versatility and playful aspect.”
“Play and passion,” Anwar said. “Lucy’s core values.”
His brother was right. A customized engagement ring by Nicky would be just the symbol of the true love his marriage deserved—classically timeless but with a modern twist.
