I discovered Amal’s work by chance, and her vibrant, colorful jewelry immediately caught my eye. Each piece felt unique and full of life. What struck me even more was the depth behind her designs—the stories she told about each creation, the way she balances artistic creativity with a respect for tradition, and her dedication to sustainability. Amal’s jewelry is anything but conventional. It’s thoughtful and personal, inspired by the heritage of her homeland, Bahrain, and by her love of nature. Through her work, she blends emotions, culture, and craftsmanship into timeless pieces that truly connect with the wearer.

LIJ: What personal experiences led you to start your jewelry journey?

I believe jewelry is a powerful form of expression, embodying emotions that transport us back to cherished memories. My first experience designing a piece was deeply personal; I created a pendant with a photo of my late mother. I went to the goldsmith, full of emotion, without a sketched design. I simply asked him to craft a large, round pendant showcasing her beautiful smile. I wanted to wear it close to my heart, so I could feel her presence and see her every day. Jewelry is a way to transform intangible love into something tangible for ourselves and others.

LIJ: Amal, you’ve said that jewelry can connect us to nature. What does that connection mean to you, and how do you bring it into your designs, particularly in terms of materials and craftsmanship?

Nature, with its ever-changing colors and textures—from the vast skies to the deep oceans—shapes every design I create. Growing up on the small island of Bahrain, surrounded by the sea and the beauty of changing clouds, infused me with creativity that I express through my work. What captivates me most is color.

Each piece I create is inspired by my passion for natural gems and the stories behind them. This connection lies at the heart of my design philosophy; each piece blends emotions with earth’s natural materials.

When it comes to craftsmanship, it’s all about the details and process. I draw immense inspiration from the traditional techniques of Bahrain’s old goldsmiths, passed down through generations. This heritage guides my work, allowing me to create pieces that honor both the past and the beauty of nature.

LIJ: Collections like Galaxy and Nature’s Whispers paint vivid pictures. Can you share how these themes come to life in your designs and what personal connections you bring to them?

In the Galaxy collection, I draw inspiration from the deep, dark nights, where the mysteries of the universe come to life amidst the shimmering stars. This experience leads me to profound introspection and reveals how immense the universe is, showcasing its limitless wonders. As for the Nature’s Whispers collection, I am deeply inspired by the gentle sounds of the breeze, the rustling trees, and the morning birdsong. I believe the open sky has a beautiful language of its own, and we must listen closely and carefully to truly feel connected to the world around us.

LIJ: You’ve worked with artists like Mayasa Al Sowaidi and Marwa Rashid Al Khalifa. How do these collaborations shape your designs, and how do you balance their creativity with your brand’s vision?

My collaborations with artists like Mayasa Al Sowaidi, Marwa Rashid Al Khalifa, and Abbas Almosawi are deeply inspired by the concept of “Kyan,” meaning essence in Arabic. I believe that every artist I work with embodies this essence, which allows us to connect more profoundly.

Art is a language of love and pure expression, revealing the soul of the artist. It’s crucial for me to select artists who share a strong connection to nature, culture, and heritage, as these elements highlight the authenticity of our creative spirits. This authenticity resonates in every piece we create, enriching our work and deepening its impact.

Collaborating with artists is a journey that takes time. The key is selecting artists who share a similar vision of Kyan. I start by establishing open communication, sharing my brand’s values, and encouraging their creative expression. This balance is rooted in collaboration and trust. By honoring each artist’s creativity while staying true to my brand’s vision, we create work that’s both authentic and impactful.

LIJ: Could you share a specific piece from your collection that exemplifies how you incorporate traditional Bahraini techniques into your designs? I’d love to know what inspired that particular piece and how it reflects your design philosophy.

One of my favorite pieces from Kyan Jewelry is a collaboration with the talented artist Abbas Almosawi. He beautifully captures Bahrain’s nature and culture. In this piece, we incorporated a palm tree design adorned with dangling pearls. This pays homage to Bahrain’s rich heritage, once known as the “mother of a billion palm trees.” What makes it even more special is that Bahrain is famous for its natural pearls, harvested from our salty waters. This connection to our environment and history is at the heart of what I do. For me, this piece reflects my design philosophy of celebrating Bahrain’s natural beauty and cultural richness. It’s not just jewelry; it’s a story, a piece of our identity I’m proud to share with the world.

LIJ: With sustainability becoming more important, how do you approach ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices in your designs? And what challenges have you faced in aligning your work with these values?

Sourcing materials ethically is one of the most challenging aspects of my work. Living in Bahrain, where pearls are our natural resource, I’m grateful that it’s well-regulated by the government. But when it comes to other gemstones, I’m very careful about where they come from.

Everything is made right here in Bahrain, and I work with local artisans and jewelers. This approach not only supports the local economy but also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

One of the hardest parts has been finding suppliers who truly share my commitment to my values. It can be tough to navigate the industry and ensure everyone I collaborate with is on the same page about fair labor practices and environmental responsibility. I make it a point to really get to know my suppliers. I spend time learning about their processes, and I test most of my pieces at the Danat Institute here in Bahrain. I also love using locally sourced materials such as pearls and mother of pearls. It not only supports our local artisans but also minimizes our impact on the planet. I believe in creating pieces that are timeless and durable, encouraging my customers to treasure them for years rather than just chasing trends. My aim is that, through Kyan Jewelry, I can inspire others in the industry to embrace a more sustainable and ethical approach. It’s a journey, but every small step counts.

LIJ: As a young brand, where do you see your jewellery heading in the future? What are your hopes for its growth?

As a young brand, my vision is to collaborate with international artists from diverse cultures, particularly from Africa and Latin America. I aim to explore their rich traditions and experiences, enriching my designs and creating pieces that reflect a global narrative. I also plan to introduce innovative materials such as titanium and anodized aluminum, along with various forms of art. We’ve already begun this journey by incorporating oil canvas and miniature paintings on mother of pearl. My goal is to redefine jewelry, transforming it from merely a luxury item into a meaningful memory and a tangible expression of love. I want each piece to carry a story, serving as a legacy passed down through generations. Through this, I hope to create a deeper connection between the wearer and their jewelry, making it a significant part of their personal history.