The Vault: Sana Mahfooz Omar

Sana Mahfooz Omar, the brains behind jewellery brand Accessories by Jade unlocks her vault and tells us about her precious trinkets

How and when did you become interested in jewellery?

When I moved to Dubai in 2008, I didn’t know a lot of people here, so I used to spend my time browsing the shops. I was also inspired by the boutiques where artisans from all over the Middle East sell their craft products. The diversity and creativity of design, material and style is what really got me interested because until that point, Pakistani mainstream fashion had no place for luxury and designer costume or fashion jewellery. There was only real jewellery or imitation which tried very hard to look like real jewellery. I witnessed the variety of craft, materials and motifs being worn in the Middle East which was fascinating.



What are your favourite pieces of jewellery (precious or costume)?

Even though I wasn’t very fond of precious jewellery, I am very partial to our traditional Sindhi jewellery styles. My grandmother’s dohurri (every Sindhi woman has one) was always my favourite. I love the dohurri’s balance of rusticity and majesty, the beaten gold beads and colourful glass stones.

Where did you get them?

I inherited my dadi’s dohurri.

Is there any piece you are emotionally attached to and why?

I like to collect small trinkets from my travels as souvenirs; nothing big or expensive but something local to remind me of the places I’ve visited. So there’s nothing I’m emotionally attached to but lots of little pieces to remember places by.



Share a story with us about how you acquired one of your favourite pieces?

All the precious trinkets I have signify an important event in my life; my first salary, the birth of my children and recently my 40th birthday. I guess that’s how they were acquired — through milestones!

Is there anything on your radar that you want to get in the future?

I like to be spontaneous, so maybe something will take my fancy one of these days.