Ahead of an intimate private event hosted by the Unique Club in Dubai, jewellery designer Emi Stames invites guests into her refined world of high jewellery, where artistry, precision, and emotion converge. Renowned for her sculptural designs and exceptional craftsmanship, Stames is celebrated for creating statement pieces that balance modern elegance with timeless sophistication. Her latest high jewellery collection reflects a deep appreciation for rare gemstones and meticulous detail, each creation telling a story of individuality and quiet luxury. This exclusive showcase offers a rare opportunity to experience Emi Stames’ newest masterpieces in a setting curated for connoisseurs of fine design and understated opulence.
Growing up in a Thai-American family surrounded by extraordinary gemstones, what early experiences or discoveries most influenced your aesthetic, your approach to design, and the way you select stones today?
My sister Nina and I grew up surrounded by some of the world’s most extraordinary gemstones — sapphires, rubies, emeralds — not in showcases, but in our home. We watched our father who was an international gems dealer work every day, and what impressed us most was that he never compromised on quality. That philosophy is deeply ingrained in us and remains at the core of Zahira.
Growing up in a multicultural household also shaped our aesthetic. We were exposed to refined European craftsmanship while having access to exotic and rare stones from the East. That duality gave us a broad and instinctive appreciation for beauty across cultures. It made us versatile, curious, and deeply respectful of both tradition and innovation — qualities that continue to guide how we design and how we select every stone today.
Tourmalines and sapphires appear frequently in your collections. What draws you to these stones, and how do you select their combinations?
We are endlessly drawn to tourmalines and sapphires because of their incredible range of colours and personalities. Each stone is completely unique — no two are ever the same — and that individuality brings so much life and emotion into our designs.
Colour is one of Zahira’s signatures. We love combining shades and creating unexpected harmonies and contrasts. Every design usually begins with a hero stone — a centre gem that captures our attention — and from there the entire process unfolds organically. We allow the stones to lead us; their energy and colour guide the story of each creation.
Your atelier in Bangkok works with master jewellers whose skills have been handed down over generations. How do these collaborations shape the final pieces, and how do you maintain your original vision while working so closely with these artisans?
Our relationship with our master artisans is incredibly important. They are truly world-class, and their level of craftsmanship cannot be replicated by machines. Hand-made jewellery has a soul; you can see and feel the difference.
Nina and I are involved in every step of the process, from sourcing gemstones to design development and production. It is very important to us that what we envision is brought to life exactly as we imagine it. We work side by side with our artisans, problem-solving together, refining details, and ensuring every piece reflects both our vision and their extraordinary skill.
Thailand attracts collectors and visitors from all over the world. How does designing for a multicultural audience influence your work?
Having grown up in a family of jewellers as well as a manufacturing background, we developed a deep and genuine appreciation for all styles, cultures, and expressions of beauty. This diversity of influence has become one of Zahira’s greatest strengths.
Jewellery is, at its heart, about connection, identity, and emotion. Our background allows us to intuitively understand different tastes and sensibilities — whether someone is drawn to bold colour, refined elegance, or meaningful symbolism. Our role is to translate those individual stories into jewellery, creating pieces that feel not only beautiful, but deeply personal and universally resonant.
Zahira has created extraordinary jewel-encrusted clutches. What inspired this, and how is it different from designing jewellery?
When we created the three exclusive Kilani clutches, we wanted to push beyond the boundaries of traditional jewellery. For women, handbags are treasured objects — symbols of style, status, and personal expression — much like fine jewellery. We asked ourselves: what would happen if we merged these two worlds into a single work of art?
Designing the clutches was both exciting and challenging. We carefully shaped the silhouette and chose premium glazed crocodile leather to create a sense of ultimate luxury, then layered it with intricate jewellery crafted from natural coloured gemstones and 18-carat gold. Each element on its own requires exceptional skill, and bringing them together demanded even greater precision and artistry.
Created in collaboration with one of the world’s finest handbag makers, the result is something truly opulent and rare. These clutches are not simply accessories — they are collectible works of art, designed to be treasured and admired by only a very select few.
Is there a piece that holds special meaning for you?
One piece that will always stay with me is a ring created from a 23-carat Royal Blue Ceylon sapphire that our late father gave to Nina and me. It was one of his most extraordinary stones, and Nina transformed it into a truly breathtaking design. I later sold the piece to a woman in Switzerland, who told me she was so proud to own it.
It was one of the last projects connected to our father’s legacy, and it carried an incredible depth of emotion, history, and beauty. That ring represented not only the rarity of the gemstone, but the lineage, love, and passion that define why we do what we do. It is a piece I will always hold close to my heart.
Looking back, what milestones has Zahira achieved so far?
Every step of this journey feels like a milestone — from collecting rare and exceptional gemstones to building meaningful relationships with collectors and clients around the world. Zahira has grown organically, guided by passion, trust, and craftsmanship, and that makes each achievement especially meaningful.
Being able to do what we love every day, and to share that with clients who truly appreciate our work, is in itself one of our greatest accomplishments.
What has it been like showcasing Zahira at The Unique Gallery Dubai?
Showcasing Zahira at The Unique Gallery Dubai has been a wonderful experience. Dubai has a very refined and knowledgeable collector community, and it has been exciting to see how people respond to Zahira’s use of colour, rare gemstones, and craftsmanship. There is a genuine appreciation here for pieces that are distinctive and not easily found elsewhere.
The gallery provides a beautiful setting for our jewels, and their team presents the collections with care and understanding, allowing each piece to speak for itself. It has been a pleasure to introduce Zahira to this audience and to share our story in such a sophisticated environment.
Looking ahead, what do you hope this experience in Dubai brings to Zahira?
Dubai is a place where exceptional and rare jewellery is truly appreciated, and being part of The Unique Gallery allows Zahira to be seen alongside some of the world’s finest creations. It gives collectors the opportunity to discover our work in a truly international setting.
We see this as the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship — one that allows Zahira to grow alongside The Unique Gallery, connect with new collectors, and continue sharing our story of colour, craftsmanship, and heritage with a global audience in the UAE and beyond.
For moore niformation, please visit https://www.zahirafinejewellery.com and https://www.theuniquedubai.com and follow @zahira_fine_jewellery and @theuniquegallery_dubai.
