Aveen Jewellery was originally founded in Hong Kong in 2007 and rapidly built up a loyal, international clientele simply and effectively through word of mouth. Now this bespoke brand is based in Abu Dhabi.
Aveen Oghana is the founder and designer of her own brand, Aveen Jewellery. Available to buy online or bespoke through consultation with Aveen, the pieces are an eclectic mix with influences from all over the world using a variety of materials from the delicate (pearls and real leaves covered in gold, silver or copper) to the industrial (leather and chunky sterling silver).
Tell us about Aveen Jewellery and how it all began?
I have always loved jewellery for as long as I can remember, since I was a young girl, dressing up in my mother’s. I love the way it can accentuate someone’s personal style and make a statement about their personality. My background in sculpture taught me the fundamentals of carving, modelling and three-dimensional design and working with different materials such as bronze, plaster and clay.
My journey into the world of jewellery started after an amazing trip to the city of gemstones, Jaipur in the historic and romantic region of Rajasthan. I fell in love with the vast array of precious and semi-precious gemstones, the tribal silver jewellery and India’s traditional craftsmanship. I couldn’t help but buy some loose gemstones and antique silver jewellery to experiment with once I returned home to Hong Kong, where I was living at the time.
How did you learn the skills to create your own pieces?
I enrolled to study for a silversmithing course in Hong Kong. Being surrounded by talented people awakened my innate passion for design and I realised that this was a full-time venture and would eventually be my career, so I decided to study for a jewellery diploma.
I enrolled in the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences in Bangkok, the gemstone capital of the world, and gained a jewellery design and gemmology diploma. Living in Bangkok was inspiring. I fell in love with Thai jewellery because of its skilful execution and attention to detail. Thailand and the Far East continue to inspire my collections.
What is your jewellery mission?
To create original designs in precious metals and semi-precious gemstones that offer women affordable luxury for that essential everyday piece as well as for a special occasion. The Aveen Jewellery classics collection consists of sterling silver, gold-plated silver and coloured gemstones.
Tell us about your own style when it comes to jewellery.
I always design pieces that I love to wear. I love statement jewellery, especially rings. I also love discovering unique techniques for crafting items, which often leads me to travel off-the-beaten track and work with smaller communities and meet different types of people who often end up collaborating with Aveen Jewellery.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my travels, contemporary sculpture and photography. I compulsively photograph everything that I find beautiful and go back to my studio with my photographs to start the process of creating. I am also inspired by my wonderful local and international client base who always give me valuable input and ideas for current and future collections.
Do you have any plans to open a store in Abu Dhabi?
I would love to open a store in Abu Dhabi, my UAE clients have been very supportive over the past four years of living here and it would be great to be able to cater to more UAE and Middle Eastern clients. Our latest collection is expanding the range by exploring traditional jewellery crafting techniques and fusing them with modern technology and natural gemstones.
Tell us about your designs and why they are unique.
Travelling and living in different countries has allowed me the opportunity to absorb different cultures and work alongside smaller artisan communities with various skills that often result in a collaboration with Aveen Jewellery to keep our designs fresh and unique.
The new collection from Aveen Jewellery combines sumptuous leather with oversized natural gemstones. This collection was inspired by the traditional crafts of the states of the former Soviet Union. Having lived in Russia while I was studying sculpture, I was able to visit neighbouring regions and work alongside local artisans, all of which helped to inspire this collection.
The collection consists of statement necklaces, cuffs and oversized rings that can transform an everyday outfit to instantly take you from daytime dress to evening glamour.
How would you describe an Aveen Jewellery client?
Aveen Jewellery is designed for fashionable women who love to stand out from the crowd and have an eye for detail. My collections are designed in my studio in Abu Dhabi and produced by talented artisans in Asia and the Far East through various collaborations. I also work with a workshop in Hong Kong that helps with quality control to ensure the highest quality of workmanship throughout our collections.
For more information on Aveen Jewellery or to arrange a private viewing go to www.aveen.co.uk.
Bling up
Madinat Zayed
If you want some serious bling then try the Shopping Centre and Gold Centre for gems, gold and pearls.
New Airport Rd (02 633 3311).
Grafika
Head to this cool store to stock up on bracelets and earrings for yourself or for gifts.
Delma Street (02 441 0511).
