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.
More on Collections
The Latest
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
