I first wrote about Syrian-born jewelry designer Hania Kuzbari in June 2017, fresh from her debut at JCK Las Vegas, where she exhibited as one of the Design Center’s Rising Stars.
If Kuzbari’s creations were bold and exuberant then, they’re even brighter and more whimsical now. She’s expanding her Smile collection, a line of “fun and uplifting bejeweled faces,” with an assortment of fine friends featuring cheery, encouraging expressions that radiate happiness. Smiles are infectious, after all, and these are too pretty to ignore.
The designer’s mission with this collection—to fight the darkness and sorrow that, at any given moment, can be felt around the globe—is embarked on with colorful gemstones and attention to detail, in generously sized pendants that can’t be missed (see the pendant worn on a model, from the designer’s lookbook, below).
While there are a cast of characters to choose from, this particular pendant is named Desdemona. Ironically, the name is Greek for misery and befits the tragic heroine in Shakespeare’s Othello, but with her bright green eyes and sweet smile, this particular Desdemona seems to transcend her moniker.
This is the sentiment to start the new year with. Many can appreciate a beautiful piece of jewelry, but one that actively encourages smiles can work to spread a little happiness along the way.
“The Smile collection sets the tone of the day for its wearer, as a silent yet cheerful reminder of how easy it is to bring happiness to one another—just by smiling,” reads an excerpt on the brand’s website. “Every wearer of the Smile collection has their own story to tell, and their own way to interpret this charming collection. When it comes to smiling, that’s an international language we all understand.”
For more information, visit haniakuzbari.com.
Above and top: Smile collection Desdemona necklace in 14k yellow gold and sterling silver with 1 ct. t.w. blue tourmaline, 0.6 ct. t.w. blue sapphire, 0.26 ct. t.w. yellow sapphire, 0.1 ct. t.w. tsavorite, and 0.18 ct. t.w. diamonds, price on request
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