While her creations speak for themselves, Mariyeh’s voice reveals the emotional threads, creative rituals, and moments of discovery that shape her work. In this conversation, she reflects on how grief sparked her creative awakening, how gemstones became her language of memory and meaning, and why every jewel she designs carries a part of her soul.

What inspired you to start your jewellery journey?

Mainly missing my father. I wanted to relate to him, and I felt I had to do something to reconnect with him. I ended up in an elementary goldsmithing class on the recommendation of a friend. As soon as I entered, my tears began to flow. Melting a piece of copper, filing it, making a wire, sitting at that bench… it was all bringing back memories from my childhood, memories of him, things I had heard at home or when my father was on the phone with the workshop. The workshop was very close to our house. I would go there after school and do my homework at one of the benches. The smells and noises are part of my childhood. Entering the class brought all these memories pouring out – it became my safe place.

Did you always know you wanted to work with coloured gemstones?

Always, even as a teenager. My father once gave me a ring, maybe when I was 13 or 14, it had all coloured gemstones inside: ruby, blue sapphire, emerald, and diamonds. I’ve always loved colour. Give me a choice between a diamond and a Paraiba tourmaline, and I’ll choose the Paraiba every time. I love diamonds to complement and frame my jewellery, but not as the centrepiece – unless I find an unusual, exceptional diamond one day, maybe.

What does sourcing gemstones look like for you today?

I don’t use my father’s collection — it was dispersed by the time I started. After I made my first few pieces, I showed them to my mother on the anniversary of my father’s passing. I told her they were by a new designer. When I revealed that they were my own work she cried with a mix of joy and sorrow. I started looking for gem dealers – I read about gems and mines and the histories behind them, day and night – I couldn’t stop.

I searched for reputable dealers but didn’t know who to trust. If my father had been alive, just one phone call would have solved everything. But I persevered, asking friends and friends of friends. Eventually, I came across a dealer in Portugal who was going to Brazil. I’ve also bought stones from dealers in Hong Kong and gem cutters in Germany. I once had a dream of my father guiding me through the exhibition halls — that’s how deep the connection is.

What makes your jewellery distinct in today’s market?

It’s the way I bring together rare gemstones, heritage and emotional storytelling. Every piece begins with the stone I’ve chosen for its character, colour, and energy, and from there I build a design that holds meaning. I don’t want jewellery just to be worn; I want it to be felt.

Who do you design for?

For people who value beauty and meaning equally. My clients are often collectors, aficionados, people who want something different or something special made just for them — something they can pass on as part of their own story.

How do you balance tradition and innovation in your work?

I grew up surrounded by my father’s work, so tradition is in my blood without me even thinking about it. But I’m also curious: I want to see what else is possible. I experiment with unusual colour combinations, with playful mechanics in the jewellery, and with designs that feel modern but carry a timeless spirit.

What role does your Emirati identity play in your designs?

The UAE has shaped my worldview — it’s a place that celebrates diversity, encourages ambition, and values beauty in many forms. Being an Emirati designer also makes me proud to share my story on a global stage and to add my voice to the growing landscape of jewellery coming from this region.

What does your creative process look like when you design a piece?

Sometimes I sit late into the night, one, two in the morning, arranging stones, asking myself: What should I do with this? I love the challenge. If everything becomes repeatable, then what is the difference I seek? What am I contributing? This is what keeps me alive creatively.

How would you describe your creative universe?

Everything is a story. That’s what I want people to feel: that each piece carries meaning. I want people to feel they’re wearing something made with soul. Not just a beautiful thing, but something true.

What’s next for you as a designer?

I’d like to explore more collaborations, to bring my work to new audiences internationally, and to keep challenging myself creatively. I have sketches and gemstones waiting for the right moment, the right inspiration— there’s always something new coming to life on my bench.