Hiba Jaber
“I always knew I wanted to have my brand one day,” says Morocco-born, Palestinian jewelry designer Hiba Jaber, her words carrying with them the confidence of a woman who has turned her dreams into reality. In her final year of university, Jaber, together with three of her closest friends, decided to write down her hopes and fears for the future on a paper. “My best-case scenario was that I would be a successful jewelry designer and recently married, and the worst-case scenario was being a singer in a lousy midnight club because I love karaoke!”
Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Jaber Jewelry
Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Jaber Jewelry
Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Jaber Jewelry
Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Jaber Jewelry
Today, not only is she the proud owner of her eponymous Dubai-based fine jewelry brand launched in 2017, her minimal designs have also caught the eye of royalty. Four years ago, Jordanian princess Ayah bint Faisal, niece of King Abdullah II, gifted Queen Rania a customized bracelet from Hiba Jaber on her 50th birthday. The stunning design featured the initials of her four children and was made in 18ct gold. The designer shares that Princess Ayah is now “a dear friend and a regular customer.” This relationship has continued with two more expertly crafted pieces being gifted to the Jordanian royal family – one for Princess Rajwa for her wedding to Crown Prince Hussein and another for Princess Iman on her wedding to Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
Photo: Instagram.com/hibajaber_official
Jaber readily shares her experience designing a bracelet for Princess Iman. “Princess Ayah wanted a simple, meaningful bracelet to reflect Princess Iman’s story, the one she will be embarking on with her husband, so it featured the initials of both, with diamonds on Princess Iman’s initial.” Jaber shared three design options with Princess Ayah before sending a fully rendered 3D design for final confirmation. Usually the production process takes around two to three weeks for the craftsmen to complete. But this time the jewelry had to be expedited to ensure that the white gold bracelet arrived before the wedding ceremony. “She chose the design that she felt was more of Princess Iman’s style; she enjoyed the process, and she was very happy with the outcome.” Jaber adds, “It’s always a great honor when our dear customers choose us to be part of their very special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, a wedding, or a newborn, it’s always very special.”
Photo: Courtesy of Hiba Jaber Jewelry
Originally published in the December 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia
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