CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection
Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
Two one-of-a-kind “Beluga Spout” rings from Zahn-Z. The ring at left features a 1.70-carat elongated cushion-cut grey spinel set in 14-karat yellow gold ($6,800), while the ring at right showcases a 2.24-carat elongated cushion-cut mandarin garnet set in 14-karat yellow gold ($8,800).
New York—Zahn-Z has released its latest collection, “Beluga.”
It marks the third collection for the brand, which was founded by designer Hiba Husayni in 2021.
As the name implies, Husayni looked to the beluga whale as her muse for the collection, inspired by the marine mammal’s robust, streamlined physique.
However, it was specifically the melon-shaped head of the whale—which is both striking yet somewhat disproportionate—that Husayni was inspired by the most when designing her chunky 14-karat gold pieces.
“Whales, in general, captivate me. Blue whales are like submarines of the ocean—they even remind me of the structure of the Heydar Aliyev Centre [in Azerbaijan], which inspired the ‘Zaha’ collection. Orcas, on the other hand, are a bit too intimidating, so I stayed away from them,” she said.
“Belugas, though, are something else. They’re comical, social, and the beatboxers of the ocean with their ever-changing melon heads. The more I learned about them, the more inspired I became.”
Throughout the collection’s 28 earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings, there are design elements referencing the unique curvature of the beluga’s head, the elegance of the blowhole, and the fluidity of the fluke.
It marks the third collection for the brand, which was founded by designer Hiba Husayni in 2021.
As the name implies, Husayni looked to the beluga whale as her muse for the collection, inspired by the marine mammal’s robust, streamlined physique.
However, it was specifically the melon-shaped head of the whale—which is both striking yet somewhat disproportionate—that Husayni was inspired by the most when designing her chunky 14-karat gold pieces.
“Whales, in general, captivate me. Blue whales are like submarines of the ocean—they even remind me of the structure of the Heydar Aliyev Centre [in Azerbaijan], which inspired the ‘Zaha’ collection. Orcas, on the other hand, are a bit too intimidating, so I stayed away from them,” she said.
“Belugas, though, are something else. They’re comical, social, and the beatboxers of the ocean with their ever-changing melon heads. The more I learned about them, the more inspired I became.”
Throughout the collection’s 28 earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings, there are design elements referencing the unique curvature of the beluga’s head, the elegance of the blowhole, and the fluidity of the fluke.
A pair of 14-karat yellow gold huggies with oval-cut diamonds surrounded by pavé diamonds in 14-karat white gold ($6,600)
The “Babyluga” studs with oval-cut diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold ($3,600)
The one-of-a-kind “Beluga Fluke” ring featuring a round-cut green tourmaline set in 14-karat yellow gold ($6,400)
A pair of mini huggies from the “Beluga” collection with oval-cut diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold ($3,400)
The one-of-a-kind “Beluga” slider pendant with a 1.41-carat cushion-cut Tanzanian yellow grossular
A styled ring stack with (from top to bottom) the “Beluga Spout” shadow band featuring multi-color Sri Lankan sapphires set in 14-karat yellow gold ($3,680) and the one-of-a-kind “Beluga Spout” ring with an elongated cushion-cut purple garnet in 14-karat yellow gold ($7,200)
The Beluga collection features a bright color palette, from pink spinels to purple sapphires, mandarin garnets, and green tourmalines.
Husayni said she first aimed to use only blue and grayish blue colored gemstones, along with white diamonds, to mimic the distinctive colors of the beluga and the ocean.
She eventually changed direction to focus on the silhouette and distinctive features of the whale while expanding the collection’s color palette.
The collection also includes a variety of one-of-a-kind rings, pendants, and bangles.
The “Beluga Spout” and “Beluga Fluke,” the one-of-a-kind rings, were designed to mimic the shape of the whale’s blow hole and tail, respectively.
Beluga first debuted at Couture in June, where Husayni also won a Couture Design Award in the “Best in Debuting” category for her “Zaha’s Secret” ring.
The Beluga collection retails from $2,400.
It is available on the Zahn-Z website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
