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As an important retailer representing some well-known international brands in the UAE, what in your opinion, are the reasons for the company’s success?
ISTANA offers a range of high-end jewellery brands, with different aesthetics. For example, Adler is very design based and offer pieces set in titanium and wood, and Chantecler draws inspiration from Capri, using bright colours such as turquoise. Repossi is another great brand who is very on trend, and their collections are very wearable yet still make an impression. Chatila have fantastic pieces, which make a statement and are perfect for the red carpet. George Clooney’s wife, Amal Clooney even wore a pair of Chatila earrings at her wedding.
What aspirations do you have for the Chatila brand in Dubai?
I’d love for Chatila to be recognized throughout the UAE as one of the leading brands in haute joaillerie.
How is Chatila perceived in the UAE?
Chatila is one of the leading names in the jewellery market, and is well known amongst jewellery connoisseurs. Their pieces are made to awe our customers, with a lot of sets being made into collectables with important rare stones, such as the 100-carat emerald cut diamond mounted in a necklace, or the 50-carat pear shaped Columbian emerald mounted in a necklace.
As a retailer, what pattern are you seeing emerging among young people with regard to gold and jewellery purchases?
Currently, people are more and more educated on jewellery, especially important and rare stones. They’re aware of what’s happening at jewellery auctions worldwide, and people are looking at pieces today in regards to value. They want something timeless that will last for years and years that they can pass on to their children and grandchildren.
The concept of jewellery has changed in recent years, and people are looking for interesting designs that are considered a piece of art, whilst still fitting in with the individual’s personality. The idea of jewellery as an investment has also started becoming more predominant in recent years, and this all ties back to their jewellery as an heirloom perception.
With a wealth of experience in the business how do you describe the taste of Arabian women in their choice of watches and jewellery?
This really depends on the lady herself. People want their jewellery to be an extension of their outfit, while still fitting their personality and style. Arabian women are one of the trendiest and well dressed in the world, and their jewellery and accessories really reflects this.
What in your opinion is the new trend in jewellery? Are buyers moving towards colour or white stones?
Currently, coloured stones are gaining importance as they are becoming more and more rare. The trend is leaning towards emeralds, rubies and sapphire, however, diamonds are still very much in demand. Fancy coloured diamonds, such as yellows, pinks and blues are also very rare and are fetching unprecedented prices. It’s very difficult to find high quality diamonds, especially when it comes to matching them when making a set or a series of stones.
What kind of international tie-ups are you envisaging for the Istana in the future?
We have recently introduced the ASHOKA by William Goldberg, who has become synonymous with the most spectacular diamonds in the world. The cut is unique and is an enhanced cut of the legendary ASHOKA diamond from the Golconda mines, which was depleted years ago.
FORMS is a Hong Kong and Geneva based company which produce spectacular designs for important stones. They are exceptional forms of wearable arts and offer a myriad of shades of elegance and unique aesthetics.
We look for brands that are unique, offering our customers one of kind pieces.
Do you have any plans to open more boutiques in Dubai or to expand to other markets?
We are already in Hong Kong and London but of course, we are proud to be a Dubai based company. We operate by appointment worldwide and I personally attend all of these. ISTANA offers a personalized experience with the option of bespoke pieces tailored to our customers’ needs.