Maison Korloff Has Made Its Glittering Debut In Qatar
With an origin story shrouded in legend and an audacious ethos at its core, French Maison Korloff brings its spellbinding creations to Doha
Freedom, boldness, uniqueness, originality, and free spiritedness are just some of the values that underwrite independent French fine jewellery Maison Korloff, a bastion of audacity and creativity since 1978. Now, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Fifty One East, the Maison has officially arrived in Qatar, immersing visitors in a world of Parisian elegance, bold creativity, and exquisite craftsmanship.
Drawing its name from the legendary 88-carat Black Korloff diamond, a gem said to bring good fortune and prosperity, Korloff’s collections are defined by audacity, mystery, and exceptional savoir-faire; founded on the freedom to innovate.
For François Arpels, who joined as CEO in October 2023, that audacious spirit is paramount to the Maison’s enduring success. A third-generation member of the family that founded Van Cleef & Arpels, jewellery and heritage was the soundscape of his youth. “From a very young age, I was surrounded by beauty; exceptional gems, creations, and the magic of craftsmanship”, he tells Harper’s Bazaar Qatar. “I was totally immersed in an atmosphere where artistry, excellence, and emotion came together every day. I developed a passion for the artisans and for the relationships built with clients who appreciated not just the jewels, but also all the stories and emotions behind each piece. Those experiences shaped my understanding of what fine jewellery really is – not only materials or design, but also emotion, meaning, and timeless beauty.”
For Arpels, the origin story of Korloff – built on the legend of the fascinating black diamond – perfectly translated into that emotive universe. “The number eight, with its infinite loop, represents a continuous flow of energy. It’s a unique number and symbol. It’s also tied to the idea of giving and receiving without end. Legend has it that the Black Korloff brings luck, prosperity, and happiness to everyone who comes near it.”
“When Korloff founder Daniel Paillasseur first acquired the black diamond, it was a bold and visionary move. At that time, no one was considering black diamonds in jewellery. So that audacious decision and the legend that surrounds the diamond have shaped Korloff’s spirit since then.”
Such is the enduring power of the Black Korloff that each Korloff creation features a small black diamond, hidden like a talisman. “It’s a way for us to share with our clients the generosity, audacity, prosperity, and luck that our black diamond has been giving to us since 1978.” The storytelling at the heart of the brand resonates deeply with audiences in the Middle East, a market that Arpels celebrates for its “appreciation for artistry, sustained growth, and status as a dynamic luxury landscape”, as do the collections – from the rebellious and romantic Korlove, to the timeless elegance of Éclat, the mischievous and joyful Je Play, the boldness of Lance and the exceptional beauty of Divine Fougue. Each demonstrates the audacious DNA at Korloff’s heart, whilst innovating further; writing a new chapter in Korloff’s storied history. “It is renaissance through reinvention. We are reviving the soul of the Maison and its emotional power, whilst reconnecting with what makes Korloff unique – its French roots, craftsmanship, and of course, its timeless story.”
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From the Harper’s Bazaar Qatar Winter 2025 Issue