By Åse Anderson in London
What do you get when you cross a renowned architect's sharp eye for geometric shapes and lines with the fine craftsmanship of a leading Middle Eastern jewellery house?
Looking at this white gold and diamond Seline cuff, the answer is an exceptional statement jewel that blends sculptural form with sensual femininity.
Celebrated international architect Dame Zaha Hadid has collaborated with Lebanese Jewellery house AW Mouzannar to design a white gold cuff set with 1,048 diamonds. The gemstones form an intricate web-like design of geometric patterns that stretches across the surface of the jewel.
An exclusive, one-off design, Seline was unveiled at a private event last week and is now available for the public to view at a pop-up showcase within the Zaha Hadid Design Gallery in London until Wednesday 19 November. A selection of other jewels by Aziz & Walid Mouzannar is also on display as part of the pop-up gallery.
The Lebanese jewellery house was established in the mid 18th century and rose to fame in the 1950s when it was run by brothers Aziz and Walid Mouzannar, who set up the famous Mouzannar Jeweller's Souk. Known as the Middle East's premier jewellery destination, the Souk was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil war but the Mouzannar family's reputation lived on.
Today, AW Mouzannar is run by sixth-generation cousins Alia and Dori Mouzannar, who have added a contemporary twist to the brand's signature Middle Eastern aesthetic. Working out of their Beirut-based headquarters, Dori and Alia each create their own distinctive jewellery collections, which are then sold under the family name.
Speaking of the collaboration, Zaha Hadid says: "Our collaboration with the house of AW Mouzannar takes full advantage of Alia's expertise and Dori's knowledge to explore the beauty of natural forms and the unique properties of materials. Alia's work celebrates materiality and composition in the rich history and traditions of Lebanon's jewellers. Each immaculately detailed piece conveys formal complexity and precision with the highest standards of craftsmanship."
While she is best known for her dramatic large-scale buildings, Dame Zaha Hadid has an avid interest in jewellery that saw her curate an exhibition of her favourite pieces at this year's Goldsmiths Fair. She has previously collaborated with Swiss jeweller Caspita as well as Swarovski Gem Couture.
