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TRINKETS AND CHARMS Noor Fares, the 24-year-old jewelry designer and daughter of former deputy prime minister of Lebanon Issam Fares, has lived in glamorous world capitals and partied with the likes of Paris Hilton, but she remains surprisingly down to earth and genuinely charming. Her jewelry line, N.oor, which was launched in December 2009, has already garnered much acclaim among the stylish, in-the-know fashion crowd. “I’ve always loved design, and I love jewelry. Even before I started working in the jewelry industry, I used to always make little things for myself, and I used to really enjoy designing and putting things together,” says Fares, whose stunning pieces range in price from $600 to $25,000. Fares, who now calls London home, was born in Paris, but spent long stretches of time in Lebanon during her younger years. After graduating from high school at 16, she decided to immerse herself in the real college experience by attending Tufts University in Boston where she earned a BA in art history. “I learned so much while at college. It’s really those four years that made me the person that I am.” After completing PR internships at both YSL and Freud Communications, Fares embarked on her own business venture and began designing her jewelry full time. Her diploma, from the prestigious Gemology Institute of America in London, helped her better understand the art of jewelry design, however, her innate talent shines through in each piece she creates. “I’ve always been very artistic and always knew that I would to end up doing something related to design.”
N.oor consists of two ranges of jewelry, the first being Touch Wood, a high-end fine jewelry collection, composed mainly of pieces made from rhodium white gold, fossilized wood and diamonds. The lower-priced Happiness collection features silver- and gold-plated pieces. “I like to play with different materials, like diamonds on bronze. For the next collection, I’m planning on using different metals, like gunmetal and brass. I also love working with precious materials and especially wood, since in many cultures wood denotes good luck.”
Noor Fares creates stunning jewelry And good luck has definitely come to the bright designer whose cool collection of bracelets, necklaces, rings and headpieces is now sold at boutiques worldwide, including Harrods in London, Boutique 1 in Dubai and Aïshti in Lebanon.
[ Text Tala Habbal ]
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