Ralph Masri Heliopolis gold and diamond earrings. Courtesy Ralph Masri
Lebanese high jeweler Ralph Masri is no longer just a rising star in the Arab world’s competitive high jewelry scene. The self-made designer with the Midas touch has carved out a unique following of discerning clients with an eye for design rooted in a powerful past. A favorite of Queen Rania of Jordan, who is spotted wearing his pieces on a weekly basis, and now on the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, Masri is set to offer his international clientele new pieces to add to their jewelry boxes. Titled Heliopolis, the collection “is a tribute to my favorite place in Lebanon – and one of my favorite sites in the world,” states Masri.
First revealed at The Couture Show at the Design Atelier, the designer fine jewelry trade show in Las Vegas, and instantly positioning itself as a standout for editors and buyers alike, Heliopolis consists of earrings, pendants, and rings whose angular shapes and patterns lend from Roman relief art found onsite the ancient Roman city also known as Baalbek in Eastern Lebanon. The historical structures found on the archeological site date from 5000 years ago.
Ralph Masri Heliopolis gold and diamond earrings. Courtesy Ralph Masri
The graphic jewelry features double-layered yellow and rose gold pieces and are set with diamonds and rubies on lower layers. The surface is kept in a polished gold finish to create a striking contrast between the gold’s shine and the gems’ sparkle. “I only work with diamond suppliers who comply with the Kimberley Process which prevents the trade of conflict diamonds,” notes the designer of his gem sourcing process.
Ralph Masri Heliopolis gold and diamond ring. Courtesy Ralph Masri
Masri, whose entrepreneurial sensibility coupled with his innate talent landed him the second ranking on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list for the Middle East launched his eponymous label five years ago. A Central Saint Martins alumnus, fiercely proud of his Arab heritage, which is at the core of all his collections, will open a new flagship in Downtown Beirut this summer.
Pre-order the Heliopolis collection, featured in the gallery below, now on Moda Operandi and shop Ralph Masri at the world’s best fine jewelry retailers including The Webster, Harvey Nichols, and Bloomingdale’s Dubai.
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