All that glitters
Sandali introduces its latest range
Words Nicky Adams / Photos supplied
As soon as Ali saw the striking silver rings crafted by Lebanese jeweller Rosa Maria, he knew that it was a look his business partner and mother Sandy would also love. While Ali’s aesthetic is minimalist and modern, Sandy adores the simplicity of silver, expressing her own distinctive style through jewellery. They both agreed that Rosa Maria rings, with their beautiful craftsmanship and statement finish, were the perfect fit for Sandali.
A rich Lebanese cultural heritage has provided Rosa Maria with endless inspiration for her stunning avant-garde pieces. Her range is extensive, and over the course of 20 years she has developed her own unique style, combining clever techniques with an array of precious metals and jewels. What struck Ali straight away was how Rosa Maria allows her clients to express themselves through her jewellery: “The rings are so cool – you can either choose a single statement piece, or she does these tiny stacker rings you can build up. It means that people can style themselves exactly how they want.”
Using predominantly sterling silver with diamonds, Rosa Maria works with other semi-precious gems as well as yellow, white, and rose gold. She uses techniques such as oxidised and beaten silver with rose-cut yellow and black diamonds to great effect, and the result is a dramatic piece that feels contemporary or vintage, depending on the wearer. Ali believes the artistry as well as the quality is all part of the appeal. “People see the beauty – since we brought in her first pieces, I’ve had enquiries from everywhere from Northland to Hawaii.”
As the only Rosa Maria supplier in New Zealand, Ali is excited about continuing to build on this jewellery range. “We just love something with a point of difference – and these artisan pieces really are completely unique.”