Clara Chehab Transforming Raw and Polished Raw Gemstones into Modern Covetable Jewelry

 

Beirut-based Clara Chehab is a master at creating pieces that are intentionally imperfect yet utterly wearable. She draws her inspiration from the earth: its landscapes, textures and organic qualities for a collection that is sculptural, sensual and asymmetrical. This results in pieces that evoke a soulful character.  Her preference for raw and polished raw stones in a range of different palettes, from vibrant to pastel, allows her to create pieces that celebrate nature’s inherent irregularities and beauty. She elevates the look with brilliant cut diamonds and other melee gems for one-of-a-kind pieces are expressive, modern and distinctively authentic to her brand.

When did you first realize that jewelry made your heart skip a beat?

As a young girl, I always dreamt of working with jewelry. This passion was fueled by childhood memories of visiting a series of goldsmiths with my paternal grandmother, where we would view their latest creations together. From her, I would always receive a ring or necklace for special occasions and birthdays.  She would work with jewelers on bespoke, special and unique pieces. She lived a long life until she was 104.  I always think of her when I wear her rose-cut diamond and pink sapphire earrings that were transformed from a Toi et Moi ring that she left to me. I also was inspired by my mother, who was edgy, creative and experimental with her love of pink tourmaline, peridot and amethyst.

It is these women that have helped develop a deep appreciation and love for beautiful pieces that evoke memories, reinforce familial bonds and deepen emotions.”

 

What was the first piece of jewelry you coveted? 

“The first piece of jewelry I truly coveted was a necklace from Fabergé. I had always been fascinated by the Fabergé eggs, not only for their beauty, but for the incredible refinement, craftsmanship, and attention to the smallest details. There’s something almost magical about the way every element is so delicate and considered, yet the pieces still feel timeless. The beauty lies in the precision and the artistry. Owning a Fabergé necklace had always felt like a little dream of mine, so when I finally bought one, it was a very special moment almost like owning a small piece of that world I had admired for so long.”

 

When did you get into the jewelry business? and how?

“I worked in banking in London for a decade. The city, which I consider a true melting pot, was a very special place for me. But my passion for jewelry was so strong that I decided to leave a secure six-figure job in banking to step into the unknown and pursue my true calling. I left London and returned to live in Beirut in 2017. In 2018, at age 35, I undertook an internship with Selim Mouzannar to develop the hands-on expertise I needed. Over the next three years, I signed up for several jewelry design courses, which helped to hone my skills even further.”

When did you launch your own collection?
“In March, 2023. I created my first collection, Gaia, when I first became a mother. I was inspired by nature and all of the joy it brings and was driven to convey this through jewelry by taking a more organic approach.” 

When did you feel the brand take off?

“The brand has progressed rapidly. Within two years of the launch, I secured prestigious retail accounts, including Stanley Korshak in the USA, Meister in Zurich and Macle in Beirut. I’m also deeply proud that high-profile international celebrities, including Rihanna and Jenna Ortega, have chosen to wear my creations.”

 

What were your first designs? 

“The first jewelry design I ever created within the brand was a ring for my mother. “Since she loved multi-colored and big statement pieces, I created a bombé ring filled with multi-colored tourmaline cabochons.” 

 

How would you describe your aesthetic?

“Design-wise, my pieces are deeply connected to the beauty of the natural world. They aim to reinterpret the sensual contours, rich textures and energies of Mother Nature. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. By juxtaposing raw and polished stones with glittering diamonds, I create dramatic and unique gemscapes. I have a passion for asymmetrical and imperfect stones and believe the irregularities evoke the special and unique character of each piece.”

 

What makes you passionate about rough cuts and polished rough cut stones?

“The beauty of contrast, the way raw, untouched stones can come together with polished gems to create something unexpected and harmonious. I also love bringing together different shapes and textures. When using raw stones, no piece can ever be duplicated which winds up in each piece having a distinct personality all its own.” 

 

Talk about your love for color?

“Different colors have an immediate emotional impact, they can change your mood, evoke a memory, or simply make you feel more alive. Growing up, I was always the girl drawn to the colorful dresses, so it feels very natural that different gemstones in a wide variety of hues became such an important part of my jewelry.  I also am partial to unexpected combinations. For me, choosing colors is very intuitive. I’m drawn to the way different stones speak to one another.”

 

Who is the woman for whom you are designing?

“Juxtaposing strong stones at their raw stage with more delicate designs, echoes two different elements of femininity. I’m drawn to the contrast between strength and softness, the duality of  which I see as an essential part of being a woman. I design pieces that I hope will make my clients feel grounded, connected to the raw energy of the stones, and empowered by their own inner beauty.”

 

How have you evolved?

“My jewelry has evolved alongside me, reflecting my life, my loves, and my passions. It all began with my first collection, Gaia, where I worked primarily with raw, prismatic stones. I was drawn to their natural shapes, energy, and imperfections, and I wanted to let the stones speak for themselves. Over time, I began introducing more polished, tumble stones, with softer, almost candy-like shapes for the collection Sienna and Irene. This brought a new juxtaposition to the jewelry, while still preserving my connection to the natural character of the stones.

More recently, I introduced Liberté, a collection centered around charms and the idea of heirlooms. It’s a more playful and personal. My goal with this collection was creating jewelry that speaks to the wearer on different levels and offer them their own individual language in which each charm can represent something about their life story.”