“I’ve been designing, painting and illustrating most of my life. And I always knew that I would be a designer but didn’t know what I would end up designing,” says jewelry designer May Al-Qassar who studied Communication Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. While in New York she would visit concept stores showcasing contemporary jewelry by young designers and admired the uniqueness of the designs and the simplicity of the jewelry. “The streets, museums, my college, the people I met, the architecture, and the young designers surrounding me all had a great impact on me,” and as soon as May went back to Kuwait, she began working on her first jewelry design for herself.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Family and friends began to notice and admire the jewelry pieces that I designed for myself. After getting requests from family and friends to design customized pieces, I realized that I could do this for business; and May Jewelry was born.
Where do you manufacture your pieces? All the jewelry pieces are made in Kuwait.
What do you love about being a designer? I love creating a different story for each and every piece I design. And the most important is that each story belongs only to the person wearing the design, which makes each jewelry piece cherished by its owner.
Your collection is inspired by Arabic typography- could you elaborate more about why that is, in particular? While studying design, typography became one of my favorite subjects. I was, and still am, fascinated by the idea that each letter has its own unique design and character. Although I was studying English typography, I began thinking of Arabic typography. I became fascinated by the strength of character illustrated in Arabic typography and the beautiful movement that each character creates. I began incorporating Arabic typography with English typography in my design projects. That’s when I fell in love with Arabic typography. When I began designing jewelry, it was only natural for me to use Arabic typography as my muse.
You emphasize your love for simple jewelry design- why is that? I love simplicity in all aspects of life. I believe that simplicity makes a big statement, whether in jewelry, fashion, or even in writing. Therefore, I believe that the simpler the jewelry is, the more beautiful it is.
What is your favorite material to work with? Gold is my favorite. I love seeing pure gold turn into a beautiful finished piece of jewelry.
Where can people buy your pieces? At the moment, I take orders through email or by phone. Soon, customers can buy my pieces at select fashion and jewelry boutiques in the region. www.mayjewelrydesign.com
Read Oasis Magazine's full interview with May Al-Qassar: Oasis Issue 20
Read Oasis Magazine's full interview with May Al-Qassar: Oasis Issue 20
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