The Vault: Saira Omar Khan

Saira Omar Khan unlocks her vault

Saira Omar talks about her passion and experiences that led her to create unique, ottoman inspired jewellery pieces. Saira designs authentic calligraphy jewellery and incorporates semi-precious stones and unique elements that she believes will appeal to jewellery lovers



How and when did you become interested in jewellery?

I became interested in jewellery when I realised people were hesitant in wearing semi-precious, statement jewellery pieces and costume jewellery. People felt the need to wear real pieces to show wealth and that needed to change! I then had the most incredible dream and I knew I had to take this up. My friends who own the brand Ivy were having their first clothes exhibition and that is where the journey began. In October 2008 I had my first exhibition and the response was overwhelming. For me it was just being Saira with no surname attached to it and I let my creativity flow.

What are your favourite pieces of jewellery?

My favourite pieces of jewellery from my own collection would be the pieces I displayed during my last exhibition named “Klimt” The pieces took over a year to be designed as I studied paintings in great detail. The lady in gold and tree of life are my favourites. I love the remix earrings and the cuff. I also love the Dervish dull gold earrings from my Forty Rules of Love exhibition.



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

Oh the answer is easy, the “Birth of Ali” pendant. The Imam’s birth has always fascinated me since I was 12 as does his wisdom and bravery. The black cubes of onyx and golden topaz depicts the Holy Kaabah, the pearls are my respect for him, in the centre is Nad-e-Ali in calligraphy as it’s synonymous with him and the red rubies circling the pendant is my love for the Imam. It’s definitely my favourite and will always be.

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

I would definitely say I am most attached to the Quranic case in gold given to me by my mother when I got married which was passed on to her by my grandmother. It’s  something even all my diamonds cannot come near to! My mother put it on me and said” this will always protect my daughter and keep you safe” I intend to pass it to my daughter one day, InshAllah.



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

The pieces I have always loved are the Tsar collections by Bolin especially the emeralds from Malysheva mines are divine, also the Faberge and Boucheron designs are amazing. I plan to see them at the Kremlin Museum, owning them albeit another story perhaps for another lifetime.