Once the jeweler to royalty, Daou Jewellery has been re-launched by third-generation designer Dalia Daou.
London--After a 34-year hiatus, Daou Jewellery is back with a bang.
The brand won “New Designer of the Year” at Retail Jeweller’s annual U.K. Jewellery Awards on June 29 in London. The honor was bestowed upon Dalia Daou, Daou Jewellery’s third-generation designer.
Dalia’s grandfather, Georges Daou, opened the company’s first retail location, Bijoux Daou, in Beirut in 1930.
Daou Jewellery's third-generation designer Dalia Daou
Her father, A.G. Daou, took over in the 1960’s as the brand experienced the height of its success, being appointed royal jeweler to King Hussein of Jordan and seen on the era’s most prominent celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly.
Pieces by Daou Jewellery were given to public figures including Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Paul VI.
In the 1970’s, the Beirut boutique was destroyed in the Lebanese Civil War and A.G. Daou moved to London to work as the managing and creative director of Chaumet on Bond Street.
For over 30 years, Daou Jewellery lay dormant, until Dalia Daou took the helm.
“I have a lifetime of familiarity with fine jewelry and art practice,” she said.
She initially studied physics and the history of science, medicine and technology, then pursued a career in public relations and finance before ultimately following in her family’s footsteps.
She trained at the Gemological Institute of America, Central Saint Martins and Holts Academy of Jewellery, then re-launched Daou Jewellery in late 2013.
“Daou designs have always been sought after for their beauty, color, life and innovation,” Daou said. “I have revived the brand with the same innovative and artistic principles with designs inspired by light in all its forms and wondrous color and effects, and not least by the creative heritage.”
Today’s Daou Jewellery has a youthful aesthetic, with bold combinations of colored gemstones and asymmetrical star and “x” motifs.
“I put a lot of thought into designing pieces that are best shown off when worn,” she said, “with sculptural, three-dimensionality, using the properties of light and gemstones and with the particular high quality details which create lasting treasures that blur boundaries between classic and contemporary.”
Daou references light often; the concept is embedded in the brand’s DNA, as daou means “light” in Arabic.
Her line of 18-karat gold jewelry is sold at several U.K.-based and international stockists, as well as online at DaouJewellery.com.
Prices range from approximately $468 to $9,623 retail at current exchange.
Though Dalia’s designs feel utterly contemporary, the
designer looks to the past when citing goals for the brand’s future.
“The aim is for the brand to become recognized for beautiful, ever new, fresh designs and sought after through developing respected luxury stockists,” she said, “[and] ultimately to reach the same respected high profile as the brand had in the ‘70s, with a perfectly located flagship boutique.”
“Sun Supernova” large star pendant in 18-karat yellow gold with yellow sapphire ($3,251)
“Morning” long earrings in 18-karat white gold with multi-colored sapphires ($5,332)
“Multiplier” double hoop earrings in 18-karat yellow gold paired with the “Golden Light” gemstone earrings in 18-karat yellow gold with sapphire, citrine and tourmaline ($5,488)
“Kisses” ring in 18-karat yellow gold with a diamond ($1,365)
“Starlight” necklace in 18-karat white gold with diamonds ($9,623)
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.
