Rediscovering Arabian heritage and history expressed through jewellery by Palestinian-British brand Nurnei
As a content creator, one of the greatest delights is having the privilege to meet and connect with people from different walks of life. Noor Neiroukh is one such individual who made her mark in my books. Palestinian-British by roots and originally trained in Geology and Geochemistry, her passion for jewellery-making ignited when she discovered the art of silversmithing in her idyllic Mediterranean home in Kavala, Greece. Discover more below, as we take a scenic route in getting to know her and her artisanal jewellery brand.
Discovering Nurnei at Atelier 14, Revalue Consulting
On my Instagram page last September, you may have seen stories posted when I went to Atelier 14 in Al Khayat Avenue at Al Quoz, Dubai, where Revalue Consulting hosted their seasonal Les-Ateliers event.
This intimate setting organised by the boutique firm showcased emerging brands, entrepreneurs, and their latest creations in personal care, perfumes, jewellery, and more.
I connected with Noor Neiroukh, founder of Nurnei where we had an insightful discussion on her creative inspirations, historical passions, and jewellery techniques used in her pieces.
The Heart Behind The Brand
Palestinian-British jewellery designer Noor Neiroukh initially did not consider pursuing a creative path.
A geologist by profession backed with a BSc in Geology and MSc in Geochemistry, her work revolved around the impact of climate change on marine bivalves (a great connection to one of her collections you’ll see in a while).
A career in scientific research was what she had in mind.
Her move to Kavala, Greece, would change the trajectory of her life where she explored this quiet coastal hometown, discovering local artisanal workshops that sparked her interest and immersed herself in the art of silversmithing.
With her father giving her old coins minted ‘Palestine’ and a new-found growing interest in jewellery design, a spark of an idea flourished. Replicating the coins using the technique of lost wax casting, when she saw those first batch of pieces emerge, it was then the Nurnei brand gradually came into inception.
Explore the Coin Collection that brought these unique pieces of history to life.
What Nurnei is All About
Nurnei, founded in 2019, in Kavala, Greece, is an independent jewellery brand that draws inspiration from Noor’s Palestinian heritage, Mediterranean surroundings, and her academic background in Geology.
Blending her love of history with traditional and contemporary jewellery-making techniques like old wax casting, Mother-of-Pearl carving, and electroplating, her jewellery honours the beauty of her Palestinian cultural roots and the natural world that inspires her.
Her emphasis on her slow craftsmanship reflects her sustainable and ethical business philosophy.
Through the use of recycled silver with gold vermeil and natural materials along with local collaboration with artisans, each Nurnei piece is handmade with care, dedication and passion.
Brief yet Brilliant Chat
Here I’ve asked Noor a few questions that was on my mind. Read below this quick exchange that shed some insights on her and the great success she discovered by introducing her brand to the GCC, particularly, in the UAE.
Aeron: What was the turning point of when you decided to start your brand?
Noor: I don’t think there was a turning point as such. Well I supposed it could be when the first batch of coins were made and I thought I’d want to make something with it. But I wouldn’t say it was an overnight brand. It became a brand.
The brand started small on Instagram. After our first casting, I had the imagery from Kavala where I was living and had the design set up so it was with the first posting, I believe that had cemented it that started it off.
Instagram and social media was a powerful tool. It was having these physical items come together and I curated the designs around them and I kind of just launched with that.
Palestine was a big theme at the time because that is what the coins represented. When I showed them at a Palestine expo in London, quite popular for Palestinian food, culture, music, and so on, it was where I received the first motivation I would say that made me consider it as both a business option and a way to present my creativity to the world.
Aeron: The majority of your activations and events are done in the UAE. Can you share with us your reasons why you focus on this regional market for your brand, especially since you’re based overseas.
Noor: The reason for most of our events and projects being based in the UAE is that after a few years, I noticed the trend that most of my demographic audience and most of my number one clients were based in the Gulf, specifically in the UAE.
This was motivating for me. Naturally, it made sense to follow that lead and come to the UAE to nurture that audience. Be it communicating with them through events or local collaborations to understand the market in person and tailor ideas towards them.
Where My Eyes Landed First
Each Nurnei piece from its exquisite collections tells its own captivating story and presents a unique design.
From the colourful gemstone necklaces of the Panagia collection inspired by Kavala’s old town to the Mother of Pearl pendant carved in the shape of the Palestine map (an intentional material use of iridescent nacre and an ode to Noor’s marine bivalve research), there was one piece that I gravitated towards across the display, one creation that reached out to me.
Under the Philistia collection, the Gold Gaza Coin Necklace drew me in. This stunning piece, substantial in both its weight and heritage is a tribute to Palestine’s ancient history.
With 50% of profits directed toward urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza’s children through The PCRF, this pendant is more than jewellery; it’s a connection to the past that brings hope to the present.
Made in 24kt Gold Vermeil Sterling Silver, this historic recreation of an ancient Roman coin minted in Philista in 275 AD is inscribed with the Greek “ΓAZA”, translating to “GAZA” in English, comes with either a Satin or Mirror Polish of your preference.
A Wholesome Tribute
A heartfelt thank you to Noor Neiroukh for sharing her inspiring journey, unique insights, and creative vision behind Nurnei. It’s a privilege to glimpse into the mind of a designer who brings such depth of history, passion, and purpose to her work.
Here’s to many more stories told and lives touched by the beauty of Nurnei.
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