MARLI New York: CEO Maral Artinian On Her Vision, Latest Accomplishment And Expanding To The MENA Region 

With a clear vision and a women-to-woman business ethos, next-generation jeweller Maral Artinian expands her brand with evolving Middle Eastern tastes in mind

Born into a clan of jewellers that built a luxury business between Belgium and Thailand in the 1950s, Maral Artinian of MARLI New York is writing a new chapter in her family’s remarkable history. This time it takes place in the quickly changing Middle East region where women’s roles are also evolving. As their careers and buying power grow, they are increasingly inclined to spoil themselves with MARLI’s upscale, evergreen pieces that transcend fleeting trends. Known for its versatile, stackable, minimal designs, which are coveted by Emirati royals and red-carpet mavens like Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Jenner, MARLI New York now boasts its own unique network that spans the globe in key cities like New York and Dubai, with no signs of slowing down.

“The Middle East is important to MARLI because our customers have such an affinity for the brand that it compels us to continuously challenge our creative mind and deliver new creations that will resonate and illuminate their carefree confidence,” says Maral, noting that looking ahead, she will continue to expand in more European countries and GCC markets.

Fuelled by the demand for women-to-women businesses, Maral, a former psychology major who cut her teeth in advertising, is a rising player in a new wave of female leadership in the jewellery space that includes visionaries like Marie Poniatowski of Stone Paris, Pascale Monvoisin and Greece’s Lalaounis sisters Demetra, Ioanna, Aikaterini and Maria, not to mention the career trajectories of Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato and Caroline Scheufele, artistic director and co-president of Chopard. All of these women are taking part in building a new chapter in an industry that has been largely run by men since diamonds were first traded through Antwerp in the 15th century.

Maral’s latest accomplishment is the New York-based brand’s new store in Saudi Arabia. Driven by the region’s penchant for niche brands, the label recently cut the ribbon on the grand opening of its sixth global flagship, located in the heart of Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre.

Designed by the Aranda\Lasch studio, the same firm that also designed futuristic boutiques for brands like Tom Ford and Valextra, the new flagship is awash in celestial blue and outfitted with a powerful marble façade. Unique, regionally tailored features include intimate new spaces like the M Lounge and the High-End Jewelry Lounge, providing a private space for top clients.

Maral admits that growing up in and around the workshop learning design principles built on precision, sophistication and impeccable designs afforded her the sort of rare education money simply can’t buy. A designer in her own right, Maral and her team of artisans invented the brand’s signature pyramid stone cut that gracefully punctuates the anklets and necklaces of the Cleo by MARLI collection – just one example of her fashion-forward spin on the modern methods of jewellery making.

“MARLI New York was founded on the principles of designing jewellery for the new generation of women who are ready for anything. My vision was to create a jewellery brand that speaks to those women who wear pieces that express themselves and their individuality,” explains Maral.

One of those women is the enchanting Emirati pop sensation Balqees Fathi, who is the maison’s latest beautiful brand ambassador.

She was featured in the recent Ramadan campaign for the GCC region wearing elaborate designs from the brand’s latest Tip-Top collection. The Middle Eastern singer, who rose to global stardom through duets with Andrea Bocelli and Alicia Keys, was shown modelling the sort of modern, magnetic pieces MARLI New York is known for. A diamond pendant crafted radiating sea blue chalcedonies and earrings and rings made with 18 karat gold and the brand’s signature pyramid gemstones, perfectly reflect the region’s dynamism and futuristic allure.

“Balqees embodies the Marli persona. She is independent, accomplished, and carefree. Her personality and perseverance inspired this collaboration,” Maral reflects, adding that MARLI will also be featured as the main sponsor for Balqees’s music video Darebet Shouq.

Much like the MARLI woman who is “boldly herself, deeply influential, and has a success story that is undeniably remarkable,” Maral’s creations not only reflect her carefree, independent, dynamic spirit, but also the modern world she lives in, filled with urban wonders and endless possibilities.

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s May 2022 issue.