SimplyAbuDhabi XV

1 4 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I I t’s a rare privilege to witness a star being born. Young, driven, and brilliant, Lily Elia is a bright newpresence in the fine jewellery universe. Hand crafted in a small family-run atelier in Milan, her Lily Gabriella brand is the latest word for covetable statement pieces with a contemporary edge, designed for the discerning woman. Born in Brazil and raised in Monaco, creative director and designer Lily Elia’s artistic passion is harmonising wide- ranging artistic and global cultural influences to design breathtaking jewellery. The result is a line of innovative and creative, yet elegant and sophisticated, rings, bracelets and pendants that are instant classics. Encouraged to appreciate art froma young age, Elia naturally developed a sensibility for the aesthetics that surrounded her. Describing her mother and grandmother as daily doses of elegance and inspiration, Elia enjoyed a youth surrounded by highly artistic people and benefitted from some amazing mentors. At just nine years old, for example, she designed a swimwear collection forMr.Hubert deGivenchy, andmany years later had the opportunity to spend a few months learning creative processes from Mr. Alber Elbaz, designer of the fashion house Lanvin. Having studied fine arts at university and spent timeworking for LatinAmericanVogue, Eliamade themove toNewYork City to earn her degree in gemology at the Gemological Institute of America. After graduating from the Gemological Institute of America in 2008, Elia left New York and went on to work in the jewellery department of the prestigious auction house Christie’s in Geneva. While there, she further developed an eye for fine jewels and great design. She also met with the acclaimed jewellery designer JAR (Joel Arthur Rosenthal), who urged Elia to pursue her dream of creating a fine jewellery line.With such stellar endorsement, Elia’s decision to create exquisite jewels was cemented and in 2010, Lily Gabriella was born. Elia began producing one-off pieces of her own, working with a small team of highly skilled artisan makers and goldsmiths based in Italy. Today, her collections are produced in limited numbers by hand, using traditional methods. Her jewellery features gold of all colours often combined with precious and semi-precious gemstones.With influences that range from fine art tomodern architecture, her final designs are avant-gardewith the timeless quality of a future heirloom. Elia gracefully applies her unique design aesthetic to her work, paying meticulous attention to the smallest of details. From initial wax model to final hand-finished piece, each jewel is created under Elia’s direction by the finest Italian goldsmiths and lapidaries – and each of the pieces in the début collections articulates the care and dedication involved in their creation. Impeccably hand-finished by master craftsmen using traditional jewellery-making methods, the jewels comprise an array of gems and a wealth of precious metals. All materials are sourced from the world's finest gemstone centres and gold deposits. Each of the collections draws upon the inspiration and influences that embody the passion and creativitywithwhich Elia sees the world. Collection I Bold rings and earrings take on sculptural shapes, inspired by Elia’s lifelong fascination with anthropology and architecture. The curvilinear forms are a nod to the traditions of South America’s indigenous tribes, capturing a natural quality. Simultaneously they are emblematic of iconic structures, such as the works of famed architect Frank Gehry, provoking a visceral response. This collection of exquisite keepsakes includes the stunning 18K rose gold ring with full pavé emeralds. As Elia herself explains, “I feel that although the pieces are very opulent, they also capture a primeval quality. I have used 18K gold in all hues with pavé-set diamonds, emeralds and rubies to inject vivid colour reminiscent of Brazil.” Collection II The second story told by Lily Gabriella jewellery is one of heritage and romance. The collection unites modernmotifs and fine filigree in 18K white gold and diamonds, reminiscent of regal crests. Stunning necklaces and cuffs emblazoned with intricately pierced white and black diamonds captivate the eye while aristocratic, drop earrings and statement cuffs in brilliant white or enigmatic black gold evoke a sense of drama. Taking centre stage within this majestic collection are the directional diamond double ring and striking hand bracelet. Intricate, feminine details are juxtaposed with an unexpected masculine edge to offer contemporary heirloom pieces. LilyGabriella Jewellery