In an industry dominated by trends and constant novelty, Jessica Kahawaty is taking a different approach with the launch of Kahawaty Jewellery. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, she is offering something built to last—an embodiment of legacy and craftsmanship.
The story behind the brand is deeply rooted in family. Jessica’s father, Ghassan Kahawaty, is an artisan jeweller with over 30 years of experience across Australia, Lebanon, and Hong Kong. His workshop, filled with raw gemstones and diamonds, was the backdrop of Jessica’s childhood. Her father’s passion for his craft—talking about diamonds as though they had a life of their own—left a lasting impression. “I always knew I wanted to be part of that world, but I didn’t know in what capacity. Launching this business now in Dubai is both sentimental and strategic,” Jessica explains.
After years in the public eye, working on humanitarian causes and running her food delivery business, Mama Rita, Jessica is now focused on jewellery. Her new venture reflects the same values: authenticity, intentionality, and heritage. “Authenticity leads to longevity,” she says. “With Mama Rita, we entered homes through the honesty of my mother’s cooking. I see jewellery the same way—offering something personal, not transactional.”
Kahawaty Jewels was launched not as a vanity project, but as a tribute to traditional jewellery-making. The brand’s mission is to create cherished family heirlooms, just like the jewellers who understand both the story and the style of their clients. Jessica takes charge of the design, while her father ensures the technical excellence. “He’s the kind of man who can tell if a stone will sell in this region before you’ve finished the design,” she laughs. “He keeps me grounded, within reason.” Their collaboration blends modern design with time-honoured craftsmanship.
The brand’s debut collection, Octagon, takes inspiration from geometry, using the eight-sided shape as a symbol of infinity. The collection includes minimalist yet powerful designs—earrings, bracelets, and pendants—that favor structure over ornamentation. The five-piece range features octagon-cut diamonds and sculptural chain links. “These pieces are for the confident, contemporary woman who values both flexibility and longevity,” Jessica explains. “You can mix and match them for different looks, but they’re designed to last, not just follow trends.” Her personal favourite is the mini octagon earrings, which feature a one-carat diamond surrounded by a halo and octagonal pavé setting. “I’m an earrings person, what can I say,” she smiles.
Kahawaty Jewels also takes a firm stance on lab-grown diamonds. Jessica believes that while these diamonds may be visually identical to natural ones, they lack the weight, both geological and emotional. “A lab-grown diamond didn’t survive billions of years of pressure,” she says. “It doesn’t hold the same value, both in terms of its history and its potential as an inheritance.”
This thoughtful approach to design and materials is part of what sets Jessica’s brand apart. Even her earliest memories of jewellery are infused with meaning—her mother’s velvet-lined jewellery case, filled with pieces designed by her father, was a symbol of elegance and legacy. “It felt like unlocking a world of wonder,” she recalls, “watching my mother get ready was like witnessing the pinnacle of adulthood.” Now, Jessica continues this legacy through her own jewellery designs.
The boutique, located in Jumeirah 1, aligns with the brand’s values of intimacy and authenticity. Eschewing the grandeur of typical luxury stores, the space is simple yet intentional. Here, clients can browse loose gemstones, design their own engagement rings, and interact directly with the team. It’s more than just a shopping experience; it’s about creating a personal connection and crafting meaningful stories.
“Dubai is often seen as a city of display,” Jessica reflects. “But that’s changing. People are beginning to value quiet sophistication, provenance, and pieces that hold meaning—not just monetary value.” In a city where visibility often equates to worth, Kahawaty Jewels offers something different—a deeper connection to legacy and craftsmanship. Perhaps, in the midst of all the noise, that’s the most luxurious thing of all.
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