Some designers create jewellery. Others create whole universes.
Lebanese designer Noor Fares belongs unmistakably to the second category; an artist whose pieces carry stories, symbols, and quiet spiritual weight. Her jewellery isn’t just worn; it’s held close, lived with, and passed forward like a talisman.
Since launching her label in 2009, Noor has cultivated a design language rooted in heritage and expanded through travel. Her world blends Lebanese identity, Middle Eastern geometry, Indian mandalas, and sacred symbols gathered from years of exploration. Guided by eco-conscious values, she works with responsibly sourced materials and hand-carved gemstones that embrace natural inclusions — tiny imperfections that become part of the piece’s soul. Her work has earned international acclaim, from COUTURE Design Awards to features at Net-a-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, Matches Fashion, and beyond.
In this intimate KHAMSA Q&A, Noor reflects on the origins of her creative journey, the influence of her Lebanese roots, the spiritual pull of Sufism, and the deep symbolism behind her favourite motifs.
١. What was the first piece you ever designed, and what inspired it?
The first piece I ever designed was a cuff from my Touche du Bois collection. It was inspired by the tradition of knocking on wood for good luck and protection.
٢. How do your Lebanese roots and Middle Eastern heritage shape your creative process?
My Lebanese roots and heritage are at the heart of most of my creations—there’s something incredibly layered about growing up in a place where architecture and history coexist so closely. I often find myself inspired by the geometric patterns of arches, the texture of stones, and the symbolism woven into traditional motifs.
But it’s not just about what’s visual—it’s the people too. Lebanon is full of creative minds, storytellers, artists, and designers who constantly inspire me. Every time I go back home, I come back with new perspectives and ideas.
The culture in Beirut is expressive, and that is reflected in the way we wear jewellery, not just for aesthetic purposes but as part of who we are.
The Lebanese way of life also influences how I connect with people—our culture of hospitality has
shaped the way I work on pop-ups and customer experiences. My heritage isn’t just a source of inspiration—it’s the foundation of how I approach creativity, design, and connection.
٣. Can you tell us about a place you traveled that deeply inspired a specific collection?
One of the places that has deeply inspired my work is India—specifically Jaipur. It’s more than just a source of inspiration; it’s at the heart of our collections. We craft most of our jewellery there, not only because of its long-lasting history in jewellery making, but also because of the passion for gemstones that runs through the city. Many of the artisans we work with come from families who have passed down their craft for generations, each specializing in specific techniques. Every piece carries centuries of tradition and skill that is felt when worn.
What drew me to Jaipur initially is the richness of the place—the colours, the people, the creative energy that flows so effortlessly. I’ve also always been fascinated by Indian and Buddhist mandalas; their symmetry and symbolism have had strong influences on my designs.
There’s a fluidity in the creative process in Jaipur that allows ideas to evolve so freely. Jaipur has become the soul of so many of my collections.
٤. Sufism is rich and layered inspiration—what drew you to it in your latest collection?
There’s something incredibly poetic about the way Sufis approach life—with such devotion, introspection, and a search for meaning beyond what is material. Their philosophy resonated with me as a designer;
I always create pieces that aren’t just decorative, but that carry a sense of depth and spiritual intention.
I also found myself drawn to the visual language of Sufism—especially Islamic art and architecture, which are full of sacred geometry and symmetry. The whirling dynamics and shapes of Sufi dances, their poetry, their metaphors for love and unity, have all inspired the new collection.
Arabic calligraphy also plays a major role—it’s such a powerful visual form which is intricate, fluid, and almost meditative. There’s a sacredness in the way each letter is formed, and I want to capture this aspect in the new pieces.
٥. You often merge traditional symbols with modern aesthetics. How do you strike that balance?
Merging traditional symbols with modern aesthetics is very intentional in my work—it’s how I create pieces that feel both meaningful and timeless. I’ve always been drawn to symbols that carry depth, whether spiritual or cultural. There’s power in a piece that connects you to a greater story or ancestry. But at the same time, I want my designs to feel contemporary and wearable.
For me, it’s about honouring the origin of these symbols while reimagining them through a modern lens. That could be through geometry, clean lines, or even unexpected materials.
٦. What role does sustainability play in your design choices and material sourcing?
Sustainability plays a central role in my design process which is guided by eco-conscious values—we strive to use responsibly sourced gold and work closely to trace the journey of each gemstone as much as possible. We celebrate the natural beauty of our stones—many of them are hand-carved to preserve their unique inclusions and character, which I see as part of what makes each piece one of a kind. It’s a way of honouring nature’s individuality rather than masking it.
To me, sustainability isn’t just about the materials we use—it’s also about creating with intention while respecting both craft and environment at every stage.
٧. Your blog includes travel itineraries—what do you always carry with you on creative trips?
I always carry a camera and a sketchbook with me. Travel is such a big source of inspiration for me as a designer—it nurtures my curiosity and allows me to learn more about different cultures and spiritual practices. These journeys are where I find the ideas that later translate into my jewellery collections, making travel an essential part of my creative process.
٨. What is a symbol, motif, or material you keep returning to, and why?
The symbol I keep returning to in my work is the hexagon. It’s a shape that is deeply embedded in my design language—you’ll find it echoed through most of my collections. There’s something incredibly balanced and grounding about it.
Spiritually, the hexagon represents harmony, unity, and connection between the divine and the earthly.
It’s found in nature and in sacred geometry and symbolizes order and creation.
٩. What’s one creative ritual or habit that helps you stay grounded or inspired?
One creative ritual that helps me stay both grounded and inspired is my daily practice of mediation and yoga. It’s a time for me to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with myself—a moment of stillness that allows ideas to surface more intuitively.
