Family Ties: The Sisters Behind The Fine Jewellery Brand, L’Atelier Nawbar

British-Lebanese sisters Dima and Tania Nawbar are breathing new life into the legacy brand of their ancestors…

The jewellery is playfully contemporary, beautifully eccentric and teeming in symbolism, the dainty pieces encompass inspiringly bold hues and explore nature and culture in innovative ways, but crucially the work of L’Atelier Nawbar tells a story of legacy – one that takes you on a journey through four generations of a dynasty who live for artisanal craftsmanship. Founded over 120 years ago, the brand is now in the hands of women for the first time in the form of sisters and joint CEOs and creative directors Dina and Tania Nawbar. The Beirut-based business, which was first set up by their great-grandfather and still uses time-honoured techniques such as stone carving, was taken on by the women in 2010 with guidance from their father who joined the business when he was just 19, and although paying homage to the strong legacy of the brand was at the heart of their vision, they also had some tweaks in mind.

“Taking on our family business meant embracing change and pushing boundaries,” admits Tania who oversees business development. “We modernised not just our designs but also our work policy, striving for gender equality and empowering socially disadvantaged women through training in handmade techniques.” Dima, who tends to lead on creative direction, explains: “Despite the difficulties of challenging traditional perceptions of jewellery, we persisted, infusing our pieces with playfulness and colour. Our father’s support was invaluable, but we took the reins.” She goes on to add: “Drawing inspiration from our father’s iconic creations from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we infuse our designs with a modern twist, honouring our family’s heritage while pushing boundaries in the industry.”

And there was one big change at the Beirut flagship showroom; the sisters opened access to their in-house workshop, inviting clients to witness the jewellery-making process. “Being the first female jewellers in our dynasty has profoundly influenced our approach to design and craftsmanship, and I’m passionate about creating meaningful, timeless jewellery, which is why we’ve opened our workshop within our showroom and invited women to design custom pieces or modernise heirlooms,” explains Dima of which the unorthodox move has been a huge success, with the sisters mirroring the concept in their new Saudi flagship store in Riyadh.

“Breaking boundaries is in our DNA, and our displayed and visible workshop embodies this commitment to transparency and inclusivity, and we believe in inviting our clients to be part of the process,” explains Tania. “At our flagship store in Via Riyadh, our atelier serves as a focal point where clients can witness first-hand the craftsmanship. It’s all about ensuring that our clients feel connected and involved, no matter where they are on their jewellery journey.”

The mother-of two daughters goes on to talk about the location of the brand’s second store. “Our decision to open our flagship store in Saudi Arabia was deeply influenced by the timing and the vibrant landscape of opportunity the country offers. We’re drawn to dynamic environments where change is palpable, and Saudi Arabia perfectly embodies this spirit of transformation and growth.” Sister Dima, who like Tania is incredibly well travelled, is equally excited by the new venture. “The exciting developments and initiatives of the government further underscored the importance of establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia. We’re thrilled to be part of this new chapter.”

The siblings, whose designs have been worn by everyone from Jenna Ortega and Lily Allen to Queen Rania of Jordan and Sofia Vergara, are incredibly aligned as a single voice when talking about the growth and direction of the business and also the importance of using sustainable materials, but is it always that straightforward to work with your sister? “Tania is a Libra, she is light-hearted, fun, flirtatious and indecisive as all Libras are, and I’m a Cancer, family-oriented, feminine and moody, again true to the sign,” explains Dima of their differences. “As sisters, we are incredibly close so we can both speak our truths but also want the best for one another. That makes for such a great partnership.” Very diplomatic. But can there be artistic differences? “Working with my sister is both incredibly rewarding and occasionally challenging,” admits Tania. “We share a similar mindset and are naturally drawn to the same art and aesthetics, which makes the creative process fun and harmonious. However, there are moments where our differing preferences surface, for instance, Dima favours larger pieces for our collection while I lean towards smaller, stackable designs. Despite these differences, the key to our successful partnership lies in our ability to communicate openly and resolve any disagreements together.” And the women are doing an immaculate job to further enhance the legacy of L’Atelier Nawbar by making jewellery that is universal in its appeal but personal in its storytelling.

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s April 2024 issue