Rabaa Al-Angari: Youra is my fine jewelry brand, which is based in Riyadh. The name comes from the Arabic word for “be seen,” which reflects the process of moving from the invisible world of ideas to the visible world.
My vision for my jewelry is for it to be timeless, something you can wear all the time, all year round, not limited to a certain occasion or look. My collections are inspired by my life and the beauty surrounding us. Sometimes this appears clearly, other times it is disguised and hard to see, which is when the heart plays a part in sensing and feeling it.
I find beauty in small things that carry with them a lot of meaning: symbols, words, stories, culture, peace, melody, music, poetry, dance, exploring the world, people and the planet.
Everyone has a story to tell, experiences to share, and a dream. Everyone can read each item of jewelry based on their experiences and imagination, which is what makes each piece a work of art.
When designing my first collection, I thought of things that might describe the idea of humanity — and the word that came to mind was “oneness.” I couldn’t find a more beautiful description than “happy color” to explain what this amazing oneness means.
I carried a love of jewelry with me from childhood. I read every article I could, went to many stores, becoming more determined to create my own, until that day in 2012 when I started my first sketch. Something happened in me — it was like my hand said, “Yes, where have you been all these years?” I started imagining and designing, but postponed the idea of having a jewelry brand for reasons bigger than me. I knew it would happen one day, however.
In 2014, the dream came true. You know what they say: When it’s time, it’s time. So I set off on my path, and what a wonderful path it is. It is like everything has fallen into place, and I treat my designs as if they are my own cute kids.
